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NINETEEN MONTHS 

A PRISONER OF WAR. 



NARRATIVE 

OF 

LIEUTENANT G. E. SABEE, 

SECOND RHODE ISLAND CAVALRY, 

OF 

^isi (Bx\ftvxtn(t 

IN THE WAR PRISONS AND STOCKADES OF MORTON, 
MOBILE, ATLANTA, LIBBY, BELLE ISLAND, 
ANDERSONYILLE, MACON, CHARLES- 
TON, AND COLUMBIA, 

AND 

HIS ESCAPE TO THE UNION LINES. 

TO WHICH IS APPENDED, 

A LIST OF OFFICERS CONFINED AT COLUMBIA, 

DURINQ THE WINTER OF 1864 AND 1865. 



NEW YORK: 
THE AMERICAN NEWS COMPANY, 

119 & 121 NASSAU STREET. 
1866. 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1S65, 

By the AMERICAN NEWS COMPANY, 

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for th# 
Southern District of New York. 



REKNIE, SHEA & LINDSAY, 

Stereotsteks axd Electrotypers, 

81, 83. and 85 Centre-street, 

New Yowk. 



Caxion Building, 83 Centre street. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 

Page. 

A Prisoner — Morton, Miss. — Mobire, Ala. — Atlanta, Ga. — A Fore^- 
tuste of Southern Iniiiimanity— Off for Kichmond 9 

CHAPTER II. 

At Eichmond — Libby — Terrible Forebodings — Belle Island— Its 
Appearance— How the Prisoners lived — The daily Bill of Fare — 

Deliberate Torture 19 

m 

CHAPTER III. 

Reduction of Diet— Conflict between Life and Death — Eevolting 
Extremities — Surgeon's Call — Richmond Hospitals — Mortality — 
Soldiers buried alive 29 

CHAPTER IV. 

Sharp Practices of Rebel Surgeons — A New Way of Making 
Money— Conviilescent Hospital in^Eichmond — Efforts to Escape — 
Discovery — Back to Belle Island .' 38 

CHAPTER V. 

The Winter of 1863 and '64 — Miseries multiplied— Arrival of Pris- 
oners from Buruside's Army — Their terrible Sufferings — A 



4 OON^fENTS. 



Pagb. 



Night of Horror— Fearful Extremities of Cold— Pitiable Expe- 
dients to keep Warm — The Number of Deaths during tlie Win- 
ter—Burial of the Dead 42 



CHAPTER VI. 

Punishments — Bucking and Gagging — Eiding the Horse — Great 
Suflferings and Torture under the rigors of a fiendish Vindictive- 
ness 50 



CHAPTER VII. 

Theft — Police Regulations of the Island — Regulators and Raid- 
ers— Summary Punishments — Treachery of the Camp-guard .... 53 

CHAPTER VIII. 

National Airs — Hatred of them by the Southern Soldiers — Green- 
backs and Contraband Trade— Speculations in Food — In Money 
— Quotations— Tlie Richmond Brokers — How the Yankees out- 
witted the Guards 58 

m 

CHAPTER IX. 

Desertions to the Enemy — Twenty-eight Renegade Cobblers — The 
Devotion of Southern Union Soldiers— Contribution of the 
Sanitary Commission— The Treatment received from the Rebel 
Government * 63 

# 

CHAPTER X. 

A special Exchange— Sad Disappointment— A Revolt organized — 
Details of the Plan — Its discovery — Precautions of the Rebel 
. Authorities 68 

CHAPTER XI. 

Clearing Belle Island — Expectations of Home— The over-buoyant 
Spirits of the Men — Fatal Consequences — Sad Realizations. ,-. ... . 72 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER XII. 

Paox. 

From Belle Island to Anderson ville — A Terrible Journey — TV hat w© 
Experienced on the Way— Universal Sympathy of the Negroes. . 74 

CHAPTER XIII. 

Arrival at Anderson — The Condition of the Men— Brutality of a 
Kebel Officer — The March to Camp Sumter — Description of the 
Camp 81 

CHAPTER XIV. 

Going Back to the. Old Treatment— The Expedients for Shelter— 
Kations— Withholding Kations as a Punishment — Cooking in 
trison 86 

CHAPTER XV. 

The Arrival of the Summer Season— The Crowded Condition of 
the Camp — Appearance of Summer Diseases — Poisonous Odors — 
Immense Swarms of Flies » 90 

CHAPTER XVI. 

SicknesB and Mortality — The Nature of the Diseases — Their im- 
proper Treatment — Ho^^pitals— The Immense Mortality — Vacci- 
nation and its melancholy Effects 93 

CHAPTER XVII. 

The Consummation of Suffering — Despair and Insanity — The Con- 
versation of One of the Victims— Moon-blind— Its Effects 97 

^ CHAPTER XVIII. 

Plans of Escape— *'Chickamauga" —He serves the Rebels as a 
Spy— Tlie Death of Chickamauga— " Mugging the Guard" — A 



6 ^ CONTENTS. 

Page. 

grand Conspiracy— Eight Thousand Prisoners to Revclt— Discov- 
ery of the Plot— Punishment of the " Traitor"— Efforts to 
Escape by feigning Death 100 

CHAPTER XIX. 

Traitors in Camp— Their Punishment— Tempting Prisoners from 
their Allegiance — Discovery of a guilty Shoemaker — Meting 
out Justice 106 

CHAPTER XX. 

Amusements within the Stockade — Establishment of the Mark- 
ets—Scene on Market-street — Competition in Business — The 
Effects of the Markets upon those who could enjoy them 109 

CHAPTER XXI. 

Eaiding at Camp €umter — Detection of a Number of " Raiders'' — 
Their Trial — Sentenced to be hanged — Their Execution — The 
Effect of extreme Measures 112 

CHAPTER XXII. 

Kemoval to Macon — An agreeable Journey — Prison Life at 
Macon — An extraordinary Privilege — ^Description of Macon — 
More Prisoners Arriving — Preparations for another Transfer. . . . 118 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

Off for Charleston — Enthusiasm of the Prisoners— The Displeasure 
of the People — Under Fire — Nobody Hurt— Eelieved— An Ex- 
chan ore —Presents from Home ' 123 



CHAPTER XXiy. 

Transferred to Columbia, S. C— The Expressions of the People on 
the Way — General Grant's Combinations beginning to Pinch..,. 128 



CONTENTS, 



CHAPTER XXV. 

Paqb. 

Extract from the Diary of Lieutenant J. N. Whitney, 2d Rhode 
Island Cavalry 131 



CHAPTER XXVI. 

The E?cr.pe of Lieutenant Whitney and Captain Van Buren — Their 
Experiences on the Way — Attacked by Hounds — Arrival at a 
Mill — Obliged to Turn Back — A Sorghum Boiling 143 



CHAPTER XXVII. 

Off the road — Discover a Pea-stack — Eest — Morning — Where the 
Travellers found themselves — Making themselves known to the 
Negroes — The Hospitality of the Negroes 150 

CHAPTER XXVIII. 

The Travellers again on the Way — Their Guide— Pel eg\s Home 
— A final Parting — Deii?e Forests — Again off the Eoad— Strike 
the Savannah Kiver — Efforts to find a Negro — Eun into a Eebel 
Picket — Again in the Hands of the Enemy 156 



CHAPTER XXIX. 

Taken to Augusta — Back to Columbia— Meeting old Friends — An- 
other Exchange — Prisoners transferred to the Yard of the Luna- 
tic Asylum — Building Quarters — Suffering 1S3 



CHAPTER XXX. 

Sherman again in motion — Speculations as to his Destination — Ee- 
moval of Prisoners to Charlotte — Our conceal men^AVe leave 
our Hiding-place at Night— Fired upon — Meet t\^^ebels — 
Succored by a true Union Lady - 168 



8 CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER XXXI. 

PaqH 

The Occupation of Columbia — We are within the Union Lines 
— The Burning of the House of our Benefactress — Our Efforts 
on her Behalf— Home 172 



LIST OF UNITED STATES OFFICERS, Prisoners of War, 
Confined at Columbia, South Carolina 176 



NINETEEN MONTHS 

A PEISONER OF WAR 



CHAPTER I 



A Prisoner — Morton, Miss. — Mobile, Ala. — Atlanta, Ga. — A foretaste 
of Southern inhumanity— Off for Eichmond. 

As I seat rayself to indite the following narrative of 
my experience in Southern prisons, I am impelled by no 
motives of courted martyrdom, nor a desire to appear 
before the world as a hero : I rather sicken at a repeti- 
tion of what were once inexorable realities. Indeed, 
when I become deeply absorbed in a recollection of the 
scenes still fresh and vividly before my mind, I some- 
times forsret that I am asjain surrounded bv friends and 
humanity, and become despondent and oppressed. A 
person hardened to all sorts of wretchedness for nineteen 
long months is often apt, for some time after, to overlook 
his freedom. The mind, accustomed to long subjection 
and restraint, is slow to realize its acquired liberty, and 
In-ks mournfully in the dark sejDulchres of the past, 
brooding over miseries gone, yet present, mental agonies? 
whose lacerations time may heal, but the s^rs remain 
forever the indelible marks of a terrible ordeaL 



10 NINETEEN MONTHS 

In telling my story, I will confine myself exclusively 
to the narrative style, not striving for literary effect, but 
to state plainly what I witnessed and endured. In 
doing tliis, I must be understood as not awarding to my- 
self an undue claim upon the sympathies of the Christian 
and enlightened people of the Nortli, but using my own 
trials as an example, as the mouth-piece of thousands of 
others, many of whom have endured wretchedness com- 
pared with which mine has been nothing. With this 
understandinof I will be2:in. 

On the 2d of July, 1863, the expedition. Colonel J. 
IsT. Hannan commanding, of which my command formed 
a part, left camp, near Port Hudson, with orders to 
occupy Jackson, Louisiana. At this time. General 
Banks was closely investing Frank Gardner, in Port 
Hudson, and it was confidently believed there that he 
must soon surrender. The object of our movement was 
to reconnoitre the country adjacent and in the rear of 
our lines, to watch the operations of small parties flying 
about the country, and give timely notice of the approach 
of a considerable hostile force to succor the beleagjuered 
garrison, and oblige General Banks to raise the siege-. 
After pursuing our route for some distance, on July 3d 
I was detached with twenty-five men, of the Third 
Massachusetts cavalry, to move and make observations 
on another road, UiDon n earing Concord Church, four 
miles from Jackson, I suddenly encuuntered the whole 
of Colonel Logan's brigade of rebel cavalry. Almost 
simultaneously my command was attacked on all sides, 
and after a desperate confli(;t against overwhelming 
numbei's, I gave what are termed in military parlance 
"stampeding orders," in hopes that by taking to the 
woods some of us might escape ; but so completely were 



A PKISONER OF WAR. 11 

we invested, that nearly every man before night was 
picked up. I was taken with a squad with which I was 
endeavoring to cut my way back to our lines. 

Scarcely had the firing ceased, than a drove of rebel 
soldiers fell upon me like a pack of rapacious and raven 
ous wolves. After unceremoniously depriving me of my 
hat, boots, and blankets, they made me disgorge the con- 
tents of my pockets, and finally " swapped" clothes. A 
sneaking fellow, who secured my jack-knife, seemed par- 
ticularly fortunate, and rejoiced. After each one of our 
party was subjected to an involuntary distribution of his 
property, I was sent to the rear, in a squad of fellow- 
prisoners. Two days after, the vrhole party, under guard 
of twenty-five rebel cavalry, was marched off to Morton, 
Mississippi, a small town on the Jackson and Meridian 
railroad, about twenty-five miles east of the former 
place. The distance we were obliged to travel was 
about one hundred and fifty miles. The weather was 
simply torturing. The sun poured down upon our hat- 
less heads a perfect stream of fire. The intense heat 
falling upon our ill-clad persons raised painful and fever- 
ish blisters, and the abrasion of what remnant of cloth- 
ing we had upon us rendered our sufferings still greater. 
Our feet, swollen and torn, were made doubly painful by 
the heated roads. The country through which we passed 
was poorly supplied with water, and when at hand, it 
was not the limpid, refreshing, fatigue-dispelling element 
of the mountain, but the dead, slimy, green, vegetable, 
and animal decomposition of the bayous, the haunt of 
the alligator and foul reptiles. Thus day after day we 
trudo'ed, rather were driven on our wav. Some of our 
party often fell to the ground, overpowered by the com- 
bined effects of heat and exhaustion. For a few moments 



12 NINETEEN MONTHS 

we would be halted for the unfortunate one to revive; 
These were treasured moments. They were often for 
hours our only chance of escape from the intolerable 
heat. Sino;ular that the torments of a comrade should 
give so much satisfaction ! In time of misery, men care 
only for themselves. Self seems to be naturally a pre- 
dominant impulse. When we resumed oar march, we 
set out wondering who would be the next to suffer, that 
the rest might have another moment's respite. 

After a lapse of abput three weeks we reached our 
destination, and though the inhospitable chambers of the 
prison awaited us, this prospect, in view of our painful 
march, was rather a source of joy than of despair. 

Our place of confinement at Morton was an old negro 
prison, in which, at the time, in an adjoining room, were 
thirty of this unfortunate race. Some were shackled 
and manacled with great cruelty, and the most fiendish 
punishments, from their piteous cries, must have been 
applied to them. The greatest crime of the larger num- 
ber was a desire for freedom. 

While at Morton, I first heard of the surrender of 
Vicksburg and Port Hudson, and that General Sherman 
had routed and driven Johnston eastward of the Pearl 
river. I now observed, also, that General Johnston was 
sending large numbers of his troops eastward, by rail, — 
as I since have learned, with a view to reinforcing and 
assisting Bragg in the operations which culminated in 
the sternly contested battle of Chickamauga. 

I remained at Morton about seven days, and embarked 
by rail for Mobile. On the way to that city I was pros- 
trated by a severe spell of illness, and left at Lodlan 
Springs. By the efiicacy of a strong constitution and 
little drugging, I speedily recovered sufficiently to be 



A PRISONER OF WAR. 13 

able to resume my journey. I was again placed upon 
tlie train, and arrived at Mobile in the latter part ol 
August. 

Upon reaching the city, I was placed with my com- 
rades in a building which in former times was used for 
mercantile purposes, but since the war had been con- 
verted into a prison, miscellaneously for Yankees and aU 
sorts of villains. On the first floor w^ere nine or ten 
men of the Second Tennessee cavalry ; these poor fel- 
lows, on account of their devotion to the old flag, w^ere 
treated with additional severity, and subjected to every 
humiliation. On the second floor, General Neal Dow 
was confined, awaiting trial at the hands of the civil 
authorities, in whose power he had been placed, after his 
capture by the military. The crime charged against 
him was " permitting his men to pillage the inhabitants 
of certain districts, while conducting a raid of national 
troops through Mississippi." 

After undergoing a close confinement of two weeks at 
Mobile, our squad again resumed its travels, this time 
bringing up at Atlanta, Georgia. 

At Atlanta we got our first glimpse at, and began to 
realize the wretchedness and misery of Southern cap- 
tivity. We were rudely turned into a small pen or 
stockade, a short distance south of the city. In this 
inclosure were promiscuously confined four hundred 
national prisoners of war, and about five hundred rebel 
soldiers. The latter were awaiting trial for deser- 
tion and other capital military misdemeanors. The 
bloody code of Southern tyranny upon these unfortu* 
nates was executed without even a show of clemency or 
regret, and with an exacting fieudishness. Without a 
moment's warning, some were dragged from their hovels 

a 



14 OTNETEEN MONTHS 

and conveyed to an adjacent field, where they were 
brutally shot; others were hanged, or rather suspended 
upon trees and choked to death, without the mitigating 
appliances of a regular scaffold. Another set were sent 
under guard to the front, as the condition of military 
operations at difierent points was uncertain. I cannot 
express my horror, when I sat brooding over the un- 
happy lot of these men, and questioned myself whether 
I and my comrades, though prisoners of war, had any 
thing to expect from wretches who had so little heart. 

To speak in detail of life in the Atlanta stockade 
w^ould be to give, on a smaller scale, the horrors endured 
on Belle Island and at Andersonville. As my object is 
to be as brief as possible,.! will leave those two haunts 
of pestilence and woe as the representative types of what 
it is to conduct war on chivalric princijDles. . 

A short time after my arrival at Atlanta, a small 
batch of prisoners were brought in from Rosecrans' 
army, operating south of Chattanooga. The advent of 
this new lot of " Yanks" was a matter of the hio^hest sat- 
isfaction to the prison guards, who immediately sug- 
gested an exchange of rebel notes for greenbacks. These 
financial transactions were always numerically in favor 
of the prisoner, though the guards always reaped largely 
the benefits of a knowledge of the money market, and 
never failed to falsify the price of greenbacks. There 
was but one resort, and that was to make the exchange 
as quickly and secretly as possible, or the possessor of 
greenbacks stood a fine chance of being deprived of 
them without any return whatever. At the time of ray 
capture I had a small amount of money concealed ; for- 
tunately, I was not deprived of my jacket, though I had 
on my body, w^ien I arrived at Morton, scarcely a single 



A PRISONER OF WAR. 15 

Other article with which I left camp at Port Hudson. The 
secretion in the lining of my jacket of funds for a cam- 
paign, was a precautionary measure I always adopted 
before starting. Realizing that Confederate notes, un- 
der the circumstances, were a vastly more secure invest- 
ment than greenbacks, I prudently exchanged at the 
best terms I could get — namely, six dollars rebel notes 
for one of greenbacks. 

The Atlanta prisoners, at the time of my arrival, were 
receiving rations in quality enough to sicken the most 
hardened ; and in quantity, a close calculation upon the 
amount of sustenance required to prolong or eke out 
life, without supporting it. 

The daily rations at this time were : 

One half-pound of corn-meal, and one ounce of raw 
beef. 

The corn-meal we were obliged to use without salt, 
and the beef we boiled into a kind of weak soup. 

I was at Atlanta until the 6th of September, 1863, 
w^hen a large detachment, in which I was included, was 
ordered to prepare to be transferred to Richmond. 
Prisoners, particularly in Southern prisons, carry little 
luggage, so we were ready in about an hour, and were 
at once marched for the depot. On the way we passed 
a number of persons, principally women, children, and 
mechanics, on the streets. It was difficult to determine 
from their expressionless faces whether they felt any com- 
miseration of our condition. It seemed not. They all 
wore a look of apathy. This may have been the result 
of habitual humiliation, and the tyranny of the Southern 
aristocrats. Occasionally we would hear a word of in- 
dignity cast at us; on our part, we moved with sealed 
lips, and gave no cause for remarks; whenever any 



16 NINETEEN MONTHS 

thing was said by the inhabitants, it was from pure vin- 

dictiveness. 

I may here say a few words about Atlanta ; my oppor- 
tunities, of course, were not the best to judijje of the 
town, in the mere aspec^t of a city, for, from liie time I 
entered the stockade gate until ordered for transporta- 
tion to Richmond, I never crossed the prescribed limits 
of the camp and its adjacent privileged space. Atlanta, 
as Sherman, our country's great explorer, has already 
informed us, was, before he visited it, a city of about 
twelve thousand resident, and probably no less than 
forty thousand transient population, made up of officers, 
soldiers, and men employed in the itinerary workshops 
of the rebellion. As a railroad centre, it was one of the 
most important in the South, having communication with 
all parts. At all hours of the day and night trains could 
be heard arriving and departing. Often when my mind, 
despondent and wearied by the ennui of captivity, seemed 
ready to give way, I listened to the laboring puff and 
shrill whistle of the locomotive, and followed the 
rumbling cars off in the distance, — thinking often, that 
leads to liberty; and then catching up the sound of the 
remote approach of an incoming train, would follow it 
back, noting the increased volume of noise until brought 
to a stop at the depot. From the incessant activity ot 
trains, I coidd well judge of the importance of the place, 
and the hum of machinerv, the smoke of various indus- 
trial establishments, convinced me that much of the 
material of war consumed by the rebellion was manu- 
factured there. The success of our arms along^ the bor- 
ders of the rebellion had driven a great deal of the 
machinery used elsewhere to that point for safety. In 
consequence of this, private dwellings were converted 



A PRISONER OF WAE. 17 

into worksTiops, or temporary sheds were "erected, 'in 
which the machinery was set up, and applied to useful 
purposes, until Atlanta became rather a city of manufac- 
tories than residences. I am satisfied that the capture 
of Atlanta was one of the severest blows to the material 
interests of the rebellion that up to that time it had sus- 
tained. 

Of the country surrounding, I only speak from outside 
information, though I observed in approaching the city 
and in my departure, that we passed through a region 
of fine agricultural merits. TVe were continually im- 
pressed by the guards with the fact that Geor^a was 
one of the most fertile States in the South ; but we never 
experienced any tangible evidences of this fact in our 
prison diet. I believe, though the remark of the guards was 
true, that the lack of abundance was owing to the inter- 
ruptions of labor by the great pressiu'e of the war inter- 
ests of the country. I cannot admit, however, that food 
was so scarce as to necessitate the measure allowance 
issued to us ; for money could always command any 
quantity. It was, without question, one phase of the 
studied inhumanity which the degraded character of the 
Southern leaders had adopted to exercise their intense 
animosity. 

We left Atlanta towards evening, and crowded as we 
were in close cars, we all felt a glimi^er of liberty. The 
fresh air of the country filled bur lungs with vigor. TVe 
drew deep inhilations, and felt revived. For a moment 
we forgot our destiny, and looked out upon a fine and 
ever-changing prospect of plantations and indications of 
former wealth, forests and swamps, bayous and rivers, 
valleys and hills. The people seemed to be advised be- 
forehand of our coming, for the road at many points 



18 NINETEEN MONTHS 

presented groups of women and children, white and 
black, and at every station there was a large turn-out of 
those not gone to the wars to see what they considered 
the fruits of the prowess of their chivalry. 

During our journey, particularly across Georgia and 
South Carolina, I noticed the movement of large num- 
bers of troops. I inquired their destination, and was in- 
formed they belonged to Longstreet's corps, moving to 
reinforce Bragg, in Tennessee. 

While stopping at a station, on what ^'as termed 
Stone Mountain, there occurred a little incident which 
displayed the devotion of even the children of the South 
to the cause of treason. The moment our train came to 
a stand, about fifty youngsters congregated about the 
cars. Our appearance was so forlorn that the little fel- 
lows took us for rebel soldiers. Sympathizing with our 
situation, a number of them disappeared for a short 
time, and soon after returned heavily laden with corn- 
bread, ham, and yams. These acceptable donations were 
readily received by the occupants of the cars. After all 
had been distributed, one of the youngsters discovered 
the persons they were thus gratuitously feeding were 
not "Confederate" soldiers but "Yanks;" whereupon 
the congregation set up a terrible lamentation, and de 
nounced us as mean and contemptible, and they hoped 
we would get sicl^. As these infantile invectives were 
perfectly harmless, and many of them incomprehensible, 
we relished our unexpected meal, and considered the 
freely expressed opinions gf the children an exceedingly 
cheap rate. As the train moved from the station, some 
of the youngsters threw stones after us, but not materi 
ally lessening our gratitude for their kindness. 



• 



A PKISONEE OF WAE, 19 



CHAPTER II. 

At Eichmond — Libby — Terrible forebodings — Belle Island— Its appear- 
ance — How tlie prisoners lived — The daily bill of fare — Deliberate 
torture. 

Eight days after leaving Atlanta, we arrived in the 
rebel capital. We were met there by a large crowd of 
hangers-on, loafers, and hard cases generally, who were 
idling around the depots. I saw very few of what I took 
to be the better class of people. At Richmond, as well 
as everywhere along our route, there were those who de- 
liochted in ridiculino^ our situation; and one more callous 
to magnanimity than the rest would make remarks, Avhich 
were received with the highest approbation and merri- 
mei^ by the surrounding crowd. As we had already 
learned to endure this species of torment, we kept down 
our galled spirits, not, indeed, without a frequent wish 
for a single pounce upon some superlatively j^rovoking 
wretch near by. 

It was night, and from the depot, in the darkness, we 
were marched without delay to Libby prison. I could 
not enter the portals of this abode of suffering without a 
shudder. So much had been said about its horrors that 
I even borrowed misery from wretchedness itself De- 
tachments of our party were unceremoniously turned into 
the respective quarters we were to occupy, as if so many 
animals. Each made a dash at some choice spot which 
first met his eye, and immediately took possession. All 
fellow-feeling was lost, and the strife was for the greatest 



20 NINETEEN MONTHS 

comfort of self. It fell to my lot to triumph over several 
disputants, and secure sufficient room to lie down at 
least. After ail became quiet, I tried to sleep, but it was 
impossible. Tired and sore from continuous travel, 
burning with thrist and craving with hunger, my brain 
in a perfect whirl of confusion, I tossed about, turned 
from one side to the other, thought .of every thing, per- 
formed all sorts of dry mathematical calculations to in- 
duce sleep, but sleep was impossible, the deep and gloomy 
future yawned before me, full of tlie most terrible fore- 
bodings. It is not so trying to suffer when we see be- 
fore us at least a prospect of good, but to endure anguish 
of body and mind, and have not even one ray of cheer, 
is a test against which human weakness stays the tide, 
only when moved by that invincible impulse, despair. 
Towards morning I forgot my condition, and fell into a 
broken sleep, from which I- was very soon aroused by 
the morning call. As the clothes on our backs answered 
the manifold purposes of wearing apparel by day, and 
night-shirt, bed-linen, and counterpane by night, we were 
not long in dressing and making beds. The whole party 
vras then marched out for ablution, which was performed 
in the most primitive manner, several tubs answering the 
necessities of the whole party, and evaporation, aided by 
a fragment of a shirt or coat, or probably shirt or coat 
itself, took the place of a tow^el. This being finished, we 
were marched off to breakfast, which was slow in com- 
ing, and painfully limited in quantity. 

During the morning after my arrival at Libby, I had 
the pleasure of exchanging a note and a few words with 
Lieut. J. H. Whitney, of the 2d Rhode Island cavalry. 
He was also a prisoner, having been captured about two 
months before. We had little to communicate that was 



A PJBISONEE OF WAB. 21 

not familiar to both, as we were captured about the same 
time. However, the satisfaction of meeting a friend 
was in itself a joy, and we compared notes upon our ex- 
perience as far as it went, and exchanged words mutu- 
ally encouragiug. 

During the same morning officers of the prison came 
in and searched all those who arrived the night before 
for greenbacks. We were informed that if we would 
give them up they would be returned to us. 

We had so often in other places, during our captivity, 
been deceived by the mean, low-bred' proclivities of our 
high-born and chivalric keepers, that our wits Avere im- 
mediately set to work to devise some method of escap- 
in2r the force of this extraordinarv financial transaction. 
I felt so strongly convinced of my own ability to take 
all necessary care of my money, that I proposed to an 
intimate comrade to be searched among the first, and 
ujDon being sent above, which was the routine, to lower 
a string through a hole which I spied in the floor, to 
which I was to affix my valuables. As he had no money 
he was soon disposed of. The string soon made its ap- 
pearance. The room being poorly lighted, and the in- 
vestigating committee very deeply occupied in their sys- 
tematic robberies, I rolled my money, which amounted 
to some hundreds of dollars, and my watch, in a small 
bundle and fastened it to the string, and in a few mo- 
ments I had the satisfaction of seeing the string and 
package disappear through the lucky hole. When my 
turn came, I was accordingly found an unprofitable 
subject and speedily passed up stairs. Here I rejoined 
my comrade and received from him the package. I now 
took care to secrete it so as to avoid eliciting: the atten- 
tion of the prison-keepers. The money of the party had 



22 NINETEEN MONTHS 

scarcely been stolen when we were ordered below to pre- 
pare to be marched to Belle Island, a beautiful name for 
a spot whose record is so big with one phase of the in- 
famy and the everlasting damnation of every man who 
has ever supported the treason of the South. After 
considerable delay, late in the evening we were in motion. 
It was ten o'clock at night when we left the gloomy 
precincts of Libby, and marched through one of the 
principal streets of the rebel capital. On our route 
every thing was perfectly quiet. There were but few 
people on the streets. They took but little notice of us. 
Occasionally we would pass a night patrol; he would 
perhaps halt for a moment out of curiosity and then pass 
on without remark, or even an evidence of feeling for 
the hori-ors which awaited us at our destination. Havinor 
marched about a half an hour we crossed the main bridsfe 
over the James River, to Manchester. Thence follow- 
ing along the river a short distance on the south side, 
we crossed another bridge, which spanned the southern 
channel and terminated on Belle Island. 

When we arrived at the main entrance of the prison 
limits we were unceremoniously turned in like a drove 
of cattle, and left to shift for ourselves. The least we 
expected was some accommodations, even the rudest. 
But no, the camp was already crowded to its full capaci- 
t}^, and the only resting-place we could find was on the 
bai-e ground, without shelter or covering save the broad 
canopy of heaven. 

My first night in Libby was one of indescribable 
sensations. Though the terrible place was palled in 
darkness, my imagination conjured up pictures of emaci-^ 
ated forms, starvation and disease struggling for their 
victims, and all sorts of human woe in its most hideous 



A PKI30KER OF WAR. 23 

forais. The very air was fall of the foul exhalations of a 
miserable existence. Dark forms could be seen totter- 
ing about, and often through the dreadful night issued 
moans from the agonies of a dying victim. I took no 
sleep my first night on Belle Island. Every thing was 
too strange, too awful to be real. I often pondered over 
my situation, and wondered to myself whether it was not 
all a dream. 

At the earliest gray of morning I arose from the 
ground, shivering from the chill and dews of the night. 
But I soon forgot my own miseries in the scene of deso- 
lation and suffering which unfolded itself before the great 
luminary of day. 

Having taken but a general glance at what was 
passing before me, my first inclination was to find out 
something of the location and appearance of the island, 
before penetrating the sickening details of its wretched 
occupants. 

Belle Island, an oblong tract of land — the whole 
dimension but one mile in length, and less than one- 
fourth of a mile in breadth — is situated in the James 
River, between Richmond and Manchester ; the channel 
passing on the Richmond side being nearly one-third 
wider than between the island and the south bank. The 
island was reached alone from the Manchester side of 
the river, and by a rickety bridge, upon which was laid 
a branch of the Danville Railroad for the convenience of 
the Old Dominion Iron Woi'ks, which were located on 
the upper end of the island. The prison camp was situ- 
ated on the extreme lower end of the island. The site 
seemed to have been chosen for its capability of adding 
to the wretchedness to which our brave men were com- 
pelled to submit. The ground was^ low, \>^et, and flat. 



24 NINETEEN MONTHS 

and calculated to breed every character of fatal diseases. 
The area occupied by the prisoners was not over the size 
of an ordinary regimental camp— say about four acres. 
Around the whole was an embankment about tliree feet 
in height, somewhat resembling in appearance a hasty 
field defence. The ditch lay inside, and was about two 
feet in depth. The ditch and bank formed the boundary, 
beyond which it was death for a prisoner to wander. 
Here was the fatal " dead-hne," outside of which, encir- 
chng the whole camp, were a chain of sentinels, ready to 
carry out their instructions to kill at every opportunity. 
The death of a Union prisoner always secured a fur- 
lough. Still further from this were the guard and 
officers' quarters, cook-house, hospital, and graveyard. 
A ridge of low hills surrounded and overlooked the 
camp. Here were posted, at different points, four pieces 
of artillery, charged with shell and canister, and pointed 
to rake all parts of tlie camp. Cannoneers were always 
at the pieces, ready at an instant to open upon any indi- 
cations of a revolt. North of the camp was the grave- 
yard, in plain view, and thickly marked with evidences 
of its dense population of bodies wantonly deprived of 
life. West of the graveyard was the hospital, the step- 
ping-stone from the camp to the grave. 

While I was quietly sauntering in the vicinity of the 
guard-line, towards the north channel of the river, I was 
accosted by a grim specimen of Southern chivalry. 

'' Hello thar, Yank, how d'ye make it ?" said he. 
' " Nothing to complain of yet," I replied. 

" How long you've been in thar ?" he inquired, with 
an eminently tantalizing accent. 

" Just as long again as half," I replied, not wishing to 
gratify his curiosity. 



A PKISONER OF WAR. 25 

" You're a mighty bright un," answered the inquisi- 
tive gentleman, somewhat nonplused by being cut off 
so short. 

After a few moments' pause, as if collecting his ideas, 
if he ever had any, he again broke out — 

''Hello, smart Yank, in thar, do you want some- 
thino; to eat ?" 

*' No. Do you want some greenbacks ?" asked I. 

" Yes," said he, with a greediness which Uncle Sam's 
currencv always calls forth amons^ Southern soldiers. 

" Well, you can get plenty of them up North," I an- 
swered. 

" That's so. Again taken down. You're a d d 

sharp un, you are." 

Not wishing to continue this conversation, for fear of 
trespassing too far upon the temper of the guard, I 
walked off to another part of the prison inclosure; seeing 
which, the fellow exclaimed after me — 

" Oh, Yank, call- again if you want something to eat, 
or a nice new blanket, — here's the place to get it." 

As this was said merely to bring before my mind 
these comforts, most painfully deficient, I treated the 
remark with silent contempt. 

My first visit tlirough the camp was a theme of the 
greatest horror. I lost all consciousness of self. I felt a 
perfect agony of exasperation at what was suffered there. 
I could not even withhold a bitter censure of the gov- 
ernment. I thought of the humanity which has charac- 
terized all its acts towards men who have lost all ri<xhts. 
I thought of rebel prisoners in the North, living upon 
the best of food, and abundant in quantity, with every 
medical care, and then asked myself the question 
whether it was humanity to nurse an enemy and con- 

3 



26 NINETEEN MONTHS 

demn a friend, I thought not of my own gloomy future, 
but the horrible past of this abode of misery and suffer- 
ing. 

It would be utterly impossible to convey more than a 
general idea of the picture presented by the sufferers on 
Belle Island ; and my own lot cast with them was indeed 
often a subject of painful contemplation. Around me 
were seven thousand men, human beings, massed, literally 
massed, within a space which was not sufBciently large 
to conveniently accommodate one-half that number. 
The quarters were constructed of any thing and every 
thing, and of all styles of architecture, from the rudest 
and most dilapidated species of cabins, which were con- 
sidered palaces, down to a burrow or a piece of blanket, 
the centre raised upon two sticks, eighteen inches in 
height, and the four corners pinned to the ground, thus 
allowing one or two men to slide under horizontally. 
The materials used in the construction of these hovels 
were principally pieces of board, strips, mud, earth, 
strips of tenting, coats, pantaloons, and shirts, rudely 
lashed together, — in fact every conceivable thing not eat- 
able, and not absolutely necessary for cooking. Rude 
and squalid as was their exterior, infinitely worse were 
they within. For economy of material many of the 
hovels were sunk several feet in the ground, and the 
loose earth was banked up to give height on the surface. 
The interior dimensions varied from six feet square and 
upwards to about two or three times that size, and shel- 
tered from three to twelve men, and sometimes even 
more. The accommodations inside were of the rudest 
character, consisting merely of a board, or a piece of a 
blanket, to raise the body from the damp ground ; and 
in some cases men did not possess even this luxury. 



A PRISONER OF WAR. 27 

The majority of the hovels were without light and ven- 
tilation, the means of ingress and egress bearing no pre- 
tensions above what would be called a hole. How me^i 
managed to smwive the damp and confinement of such 
places I could not divine, and doubted the strength of 
my own constitution to successfully struggle against the 
test. 

The camp was deficient in even an attempt at drain- 
age, and consequently every rain added greatly to our 
discomfort. As the result of this defect, there was no 
regular plan observed in the laying out of the camp. 
Each hovel was erected upon the most eligible site stand' 
ing out of the way of the frequent floods. 

The James River, which washed the island on all 
sides, answered a variety of purposes. About one hun- 
dred and fifty feet of river front was set apart for the 
sink. A space of ten feet adjoining the upper limit 
afforded all the conveniences allowed for washing, and 
ten feet above this was marked off for drinkingr. Ac- 
cording to the regulations of the camp, no one w^as per- 
mitted to visit the sink durinsf the nio-ht. It is there- 
fore unnecessary to describe the scene presented every 
morning after eight to ten weary hours of darkness and 
suffering : it can be better imagined. 

About thirty-six hours after my arrival on the island, 
I began to realize the effects of the reduced state of the 
commissariat, for the supply of prisoners. The daily 
allowance per man, at this time, was as follows : 

One half pound of corn-bread, about half baked. 

One pint of bean soup. 

One to two ounces of meat. 

This liberal supply was served in two instalments, 
morning and afternoon. 



28 NINETEEN MONTHS 

The soup could hardly be classed among the nourish- 
ing fluids generally recognized under that head, and 
would have been a curiosity to any one but an inhabit- 
ant of Belle Island. He was indeed himself the more 
curious to satisfy the hungry curiosity of his stomach. 
The fact of its being bean soup was sometimes patent in 
the appearance of a sfray bean on tbe surface. Any one 
who discovered a dozen beans was considered in luck. 
The recipe used in the manufacture of bean soup for 
prisoners was, in general terms, a few wormy hog-beans, 
tKe more worms the better, a superabundance of James 
River water, and occasionally an imperceptible quantity 
of salt or saltpetre. 

We had in name at least one luxury, and that was 
cofl'ee. It was not the valuable product of the tropical 
plant known by that name, but a manufactured article 
of which the sum and substance was burnt bread-crust. 
The merit of this species of coffee was guaged by 
bringing it in contact with the greatest amount of heat 
without being consumed. The maxim accepted in re- 
gard to this article of diet was, the blacker the bread- 
crust, the better the coffee. 



A PEISONER OF ■WAE. 29 



CHAPTER III. 

Reduction of Diet— Conflict between Life and Death — Eevolting Ex- 
tremities — Surgeon's Call — Eichmond Hospitals — Mortality— Sol- 
diers buried alive. 

Patiextly, day after day, the victims of rebel barba- 
rism on Belle Island endured their sufierinsfs without a 
murmur. Day after day as the winter grew they i'At 
the harsh hand of hunger and cold, disease and death, 
seizing them with a tighter grasp, and yet tliey kept their 
peace. What was working in those minds full of an- 
guish and despair no one knows, but with the fortitude 
of martyrs they asked nothing of theii* enemies, trusting 
in God. 

About the middle of the month of November our 
greatest sufferings commenced. This new regime of 
torture was inaugurated by a perceptible reduction in 
our diet. At that time the issues of meat suddenly dis- 
appeared, and by the expiration of the month the soup 
also ran out. In the place of soup about twice a week 
two spoonfuls of beans unboiled were graciously issued 
to each man. But here another obstacle aro.'-^e. Our 
daily allowance of wood was so limited that it scarcely 
lasted more than half an hour. This was sufficient 
time only to soften the beans, or set the water to 
boiling. Hence our alternative, under these circum- 
stances, was to give the beans and the water the full 
benefit of the fire, and when that gave out, to eat the 
parboiled mixture despite the consequences. 

3* 



30 NINETEEEN MONTHS 

The growing scarcity of food soon brought numbers 
to the most revolting extremities. Frequently I remem- 
ber seeing men of noble frames, but emaciated to mere 
skeletons, crawling about the camp, voraciously snatch- 
ing the veriest crumbs dropped or thrown away by 
some new arrival. It was a daily sight to see men sup- ^ 
porting themselves with one hand, and* i^lunging the 
other into a barrel of refuse matter in search of a bone 
or a bean. An old bone Avhicb had been repeatedly ex- 
amined and gnawed at, Avas often a subject of bitter 
strife between several starving contestants, and frequent- 
ly the victor triumphed to his disappointment, in finding 
the bone familiar to him as the object of former strug- 
gles. 

One day while resting against the cbimney of a cabin 
near my quarters, I witnessed a similar though more 
agonizing contest. Two men so reduced that they 
could scarcely keep on their feet, were fighting with all 
the energy they had left, for the possession of a bone 
which some new-comer had thrown away. They held 
the cause of the conflict between them, and turned and 
twisted, repeatedly both falling to the ground, and rising 
ao:ain tosrether to renew their eiforts. After about 
twenty minutes thus occupied, they undertook to com- 
promise the matter by more peaceable means. At this 
juncture a third party stepped up, suddenly seized the 
bone, and ran off. The two men immediately shuffled 
and staggered in pursuit. In a few moments the three 
had disappeared among the huts. 

The most disgusting scene of all, I saw a few days after 
while walking through the camp for exercise.' I men- 
tion it as but a sinole instance of the extent to which 
the men were hardened by their sufferings. Two sol- 



A PRISONER OF WAR. 31 

diers lying on the ground were apparently in conversa- 
tion, one of them being sick suddenly ejected the con- 
tents of his stomacli. His companion, incredible and 
revolting as it may appear, perceiving a fragment of 
undigested meat, drew it from the vomit and without 
hesitation placed it in his mouth, masticated and swal- 
lowed it w^ith apparent relish. This was too much for 
me. I turned my back and hastened to my quarters : 
Avhile on the way I passed a poor fellow in the very 
embrace of death, alternately coughing and singing. I 
halted, and after contemplating him a few moments said 
to him, "My man, you seem to be in a happy mood," 
not at lirst perceiving the impulse of his song. 

He looked at me a moment, grinned and again began, 
" Hard up, hard up ! I never shall forget the day when 
I was hard up ; but I'll be well off yet, I'll be well off 
yet !» 

The manner of the man's expression soon told the 
whole story. ■ His mental faculties were gone. The in- 
tensity of his suffering Avas more than he could endure. 
He was a maniac in the camp, strolling about chanting 
his mournful refrains, " Hard up, hard up ! I never 
shall forget the day when I was hard up ; but I'll, be well 
off yet." Yes, I thought, when death puts an end to 
your misery. 

Probably the principal cause of suffering, and one I 
think to which the insufficiency of food and clothing was 
secondary, was the want of proper shelter. 

The crowded state of the camp, and the scarcity of 
building material, often obliged men to lie in the open 
air without the covering even of a blanket, for weeks at 
a time, awaiting their turn to step into the quarters of 
some comrade who had succumbed iu death to the mis- 



32 NINETEEN MCNTH8 

eries of the place. While undergoing this test many of 
the unfortunates themselves died. In the matter of 
clothing, the first stroll I took through the camp I dis- 
covered hundreds of shoeless feet and bodies almost 
naked. About one-half of the men were without over- 
coats or blankets. The result of this deplorable neglect 
was an immense mortality. The prevailing disease of 
the camp was diarrhoea, which coupled with exposure 
and starvation, reduced the men to a most frightful con- 
dition. Many looked more like hideous spectres than 
human beings— their eyes were wild with the delirium 
of suffering, and their faces sunken, wan, and sad, and 
were fit subjects to affright the stoutest heart. 

One day standing at the gate leading to the hospital 
I observed a mournful procession. It was made up ot 
between two and three hundred sufferinoj men, attend- 
ing " surgeon's call." This was the daily average. As 
the line moved slowly by it wavered and staggered 
with the weight of wretchedness. Some of the men, 
with almost superhuman effort, succeeded in carrying 
themselves erect, others tottered along, often grasping 
for support a comrade, who, unsteadied by this unexpec- 
ted shock, seized another ; thus the struggle spread until 
nearly the whole line w^as affected. Numbers of men 
were unable to walk alone and were assisted by some 
stronger companion. Those who were not able to keep 
their feet at all, were either left behind to die or con- 
v^eyed by their comrades in a blanket. 

Surgeon's call was more a form than a blessing. The 
medical department of the Island was attended by an 
insufficient and inefficient corps of men. Judging from 
their manner many of them had never seen a work on 
medicine, and most probably were graduates of the 



A PRISONER OF WAR. 33 

Bchool of horse medicine, or that sphere of medical ex- 
perience which relates to the treatment of the white 
trash of the South, The siirgeon-in-chief of the rebel 
armies evidently made it a merit to send the poorest of 
his craft to practise upon the Yankees. 

One day while watching the passing of the victims of 
surgeon's call, perceiving one man tottering along with 
decrepitude, brought about by the weight of woe, I 
stopped him a moment — 

" Comrade," said I, "you are very ill, why don't you 
get a permit for the hospital ?" 

He looked up surprised at my question, and merely 
asked, 

" Have you ever been there ?" 

"No," I replied. 

•' Well, then don't ask such a question." 

" But pray is the hospital any more than what you 
suffer here ?" I inquired. 

" Ten or a hundred times : just as much more as it 
takes to quickly put an end to a man," he said, gloomily. 

He seemed for a moment in deep meditation, and then 
continued : 

" I had two brothers, both older and stronger than 
myself; we belonged to the same company and the same 
regiment, and were captured in the same battle." 

" Three brothers captured in the same battle !" I re- 
peated, with some commiseration. 

" Yes, three brothers taken in the same battle. After 
fighting hard all day, late in the afternoon, while on 
picket, we were run down and taken prisoners, and car- 
lied to the rear. After stealing all we had, and making 
us exchange clothing, we were sent off by the rebels to 
this terrible place." 



34 NINETEEN MONTHS 

The man again became quiet, and seemed to be revolv- 
ing^ in liis mind awful scenes. 

" What has become of your brotliers ?" I asked. 

" We were not," he replied, '' on the island two weeks 
befoi-e one of them was taken down sick. He was sent 
out there (pointing to the hospital) for treatment. Four 
mornings after, I was counting from the guard-line the 
number of dead laid out for burial. Among: the num- 
ber I recognized the face of my brother. I felt reckless, 
and w^ould have crossed the dead-line, and let the guard 
shoot, so that I migrht have another look at mv brother. 
As I started forward a companion with whom I had 
been conversing seized me, held me back, and persuaded 
me not to commit a folly which would inevitably result 
in ray own death. I obeyed, but all the morning watch- 
ed from within the limits of the camp the dead body of 
my brother without. At noon I saw him rudely tossed 
into the dead-cart, and hauled off to the silent grave." 

Here the man shed tears, and suj^porting himself on 
my shoulder, remained thus giving vent to a grief that 
had hitherto been unable to escape. Drying his eyes on 
his coat sleeve, or rather on the rags w^hich represented 
it, he again spoke : 

" My second brother," said he, " gave way about a 
week after the first died. After the experience of the 
first he refused to go to hospital. He went to sur- 
geon's call, but that did him no good. One night w^e 
laid down in our hut. About midnight he said he 
was cold. I gave him all the blanket I could. The 
next morning I looked at him, and found he was stark 
dead." 

Here the soldier thought for a moment, and then 
looked me full in the face, and with a wild grin said, in 



A PRISONER OF WAR. 35 

a voice as hollow as the sepulchre itself: " And I expect 
they'll have the trouble of carryino: me out in a blanket 
one of these fine morninofs." With this remark the sick 
man continued on his way to surgeon's call. 

I watched as the victim parted from me ; death's stamp 
seemed fixed upon him. Two weeks after, I uncovered 
a dead body which was about to be carried to the grave- 
yard. It was the last of the three brothers. I could 
not* stay a tear, and thought of the anxious mother 
awaitint^ their return or some tidino;s from her three sons. 

By a rule of the camp, the most severe types of dis- 
ease were, at the expiration of each week, sent to hos- 
pital in Richmond, where they received but little better 
treatment than on the island. On the subject of the 
Richmond hospitals I conversed one day with Corporal 
Bowie and others, who had facilities of ascertaining. I 
learned that the accommodations of the hospitals Tvere 
limited, and always more than filled. The patients were 
closely ranged along the floors, with scarcely sufiicient 
room to pass between them. The rooms were without 
ventilation, and were so filthy that the greatest surprise 
was the non-appearance in the city of some terrible 
plague originating in the hospitals. Medical supplies 
were scarce, and sometimes absolutely exhausted. But 
the worst feature of the place was the inattention and 
brutality of the rebel nurses. Men in the last struggles 
of death were permitted to lie unheeded in the most vio- 
lent paroxysms. Others, from their inability to move, 
made their evacuations in their beds, and lay for whole 
days in the filth, and surrounded by the foul efliuvia. 
Others, in the delirium of fever, fell savagely upon some 
patient near by, and after striking and tearing him with 
a perfect frenzy of passion, fell exhausted and power- 



36 NINETEEN MONTHS 

less, or perhaps a corpse ; while the sufferings of the vic- 
tim of his insanity were increased or terminated. 

But if life in the Richmond hospitals was terrible, 
death itself was no alleviation. The average daily mor- 
tality was twenty. Tiie bodies were often permitted to 
remain in the beds until putrefaction had set in, or some- 
times in haste were hurried off to the dead-house before 
life was fully extinct, to make room for some new 
patient. The dead-house is said to have presented a 
horrible sight; the bodies were piled upon the floor, 
sometimes several deep, awaiting sepulture. In the 
mean time innumerable rats, attracted by the ovation 
laid out for them, feasted themselves without interruj> 
tion, and morning revealed a horrid sight of ghastly and 
mutilated faces, some devoured entirely, and others 
without eyes and noses. 

On the island I found, of my own observation, the dis- 
regard of human life, and the neglect to which human 
bodies were condemned, most mournfully verified. I 
shall never forget one evidence of this. On January 12, 
1864, I was passing where I could see five bodies of sol- 
diers, lying side by side, in the rear of the hospital, pre- 
paratory to burial. I stood a moment in deep contem- 
plation watching them. I soon discovered what I sup- 
posed to be a convulsive action in one of the bodies. I 
looked more closely and found the man, though laid out 
to be buried, was not dead, and was then endeavoring 
to turn over. The doctor, in making his round, consid- 
ered the poor fellow dead, or so nearly so that he might 
as well be taken out to make room, in expectation that 
he would die before the remaining four would be 
buried. 

Another instance of the carelessness, we can hardly 



A PRISONEE OF WAR. 37 

suppose it ignorance or design, of persons in charge ot 
the sick I witnessed one day, while watching the process 
of disposing of the dead. There were a number of 
coffins lying in the vicinity. In one I noticed two men 
unceremoniously cast a corpse, and were naihng down 
the lid : suddenly I was startled to find the lid lilted, and 
a man, partially naked-, by a miraculous return of 
strength, seat himself upright in the coffin. The man 
was not dead. What a fortunate return of conscious- 
ness ! I thought how many, in the extreme exhaustion 
and lethargy of disease, thus revived when too late. My 
blood chilled as I thought of perhaps scores, maybe hun- 
dreds, after enduring all the horrors of Southern barbar- 
ism, awake to find its consummation in being buried 
alive. 

4 



88 NINETEEN MONTHS 



CHAPTER IV. 

Sharp Practices of Eebel Surgeons — A New Way of Making Money^^ 
Convalescent Hospital in Eiclimond — Efforts to Escape — Discovery- 
Back to Belle Island. 

A SHOET time after my arrival on the island I entered 
into an arrangement with one of ^the doctors, Avhereby I 
expected to better my condition, by being transferred to 
a Richmond hospital as an invalid. As I discovered 
afterwards, I was merely the victim of a sharp jH-actice 
in vogue among the surgeons of the island and a number 
of accomplices at Richmond. It appeared these men 
had organized a w^ell-understood arrangement between 
themselves, in order to secure money from prisoners of 
war. The plan, as I learned by experience, was this. 
When a prisoner was considered "flash," a doctor imme- 
diately set upon his track, and, after a brief familiarity, 
introduced a conversation which invariably terminated 
in a suggestion that for fifteen dollars in greenbacks he 
would be sent across the river to the city convalescent 
hospital as an invalid, and there be paroled with the 
sick. The accommodations at these establishments, in 
view of the small sums occasionally realized, were a vast 
improvement on any thing experienced in other places 
devoted to the uses of prisoners of war. If the prisoner 
bad money sufficient to meet the exjDense of this privi- 
lege he handed it to the doctor, and in a day or two 
the first part of the bargain was consummated — he w^as 
passed into a boat, and conveyed across the river. 

This agreeable change lasted usually, at the utmost, 



A PRISOXEE OF WAB. 39 

fi'om two to four weeks, at the expiration of which time 
a new set of doctors w^ere sent around, purporting to 
overhaul the city hospitals. The individuals invariably 
knew the subjects of the arrangement, and at once or- 
dered them back to the island, unless they could pur- 
chase extension of their privilege by paying for it. Men, 
however, once thus gulled kept their money for better 
uses, and accordingly refused. The result of this was a 
document certifvins^ or rather announcing^ the recovery 
of the patient, who vras immediately restored to the 
island and permitted to reflect upon his bargain. 

Having money, I was induced to victimize myself by 
putting confidence in persons who had frequently before 
given evidence, either personal or towards my comrades, 
of their bad faith. Two months I passed in hospital 
in comparative comfort, but after the lapse of this time 
I was informed that I must either return to the island 
or to some city prison. When we were alone my com- 
panions and myself held a council of war, during which 
we determined not to go. We resolved for the time 
beins^ to ransom ourselves from the island. The sur- 
geon accepting the proposition three besides myself gave 
him twenty-five dollars each to be invalided for two 
months longer ; in the mean time we planned measures 
of escape. 

For some days after this arrangement we were en- 
gaged in observing all parts of the hospital premises 
afibrding the most practicable chances of escape. Having 
selected the wash-house as the scene of our attempts we 
commenced taking up the boards. It was our purpose 
to dig out by tunnelling the foundation. Our labors in 
the beginning went on magnificently, and the third night 
found us under the sentinel's beat. We could, hear his 



40 NINETEEN MONTHS 

cry "All's well," and so we thought were we, and looked 
hopefully npon the issue of our undertaking. The fourth 
night, however, found our operations sumniaiily 
checked. During that day tlie rebel sei-geant of the 
guard looked suspiciously upon us. Whether he had 
been informed or merely suspected us, or whether our 
fears and imagination had a great deal to do with our 
alarm, we were unable to determine, but concluded that 
this should not be an obstacle to a prosecution of our 
labors that night. Expedition was now every thing. 

Shortly after dark, one of our party being on guard, 
three of us crept to the wash-house and resumed opera- 
tions. We were working vigorously, when the suspect- 
ing sergeant visited our beds and found them vacant. 
Immediately but quietly instituting a search, he came 
upon us by surprise. We were digging away, and whis- 
pering our instructions to each other in the quietest man- 
ner, when lights appeared and the sergeant and several 
men approached. Our hearts sank within us. No op- 
portunity presented itself where we could secrete our- 
selves. Our only alternative was to face our misfortune 
manfully. For a time my mind was filled with an in- 
clination to settle my accounts with life, make my peace 
with God, and stand up and meet death on the spot. 
The manner of the sergeant soon, however, calmed my 
fears and though all of us were, roughly buffeted, we 
suffered no other punishment than a few bruises, and 
numerous epithets less beautiful than expressive and po- 
tential in the dialect of- profanity. 

We were at once placed under guard and hastened to 
Libby. After passing the remainder of the night in calm 
reflection and frequent self-congratulation that we were 
alive, we early the following morning experienced the 



A PRISONER OF WAR. 41 

sensation of a march back to the horrors of Belle Island. 
Thus terminated my first effort for liberty, but I was 
determined it should net be the last. I was convinced 
of one thing by my experience — that if the traitor gov- 
ernment desired, the condition of prisoners could be 
immensely ameliorated without much additional outlay. 
The hospital in which I was an inmate because I paid 
the surgeon's fee, though rude in accommodations and 
management, still was infinitely better than the abodes of 
filth and misery w^hich prevailed in the buildings used 
for the general sick. It appeared the whole system of 
treatment of prisoners of w^ar was a conflict of vindictive 
and mercenary motives. When the patient had money 
which had escaped the cupidity of his captors, and the 
insatiate pack of deliberate thieves he met at his in- 
troduction to prison life at Richmond, he w^as allowed 
privileges ; but when that money was all consumed, he 
was treated, if possible, more severely than those who 
never had means. Those w^ho had no money at all 
from the beginning, felt the full rigors of the despotism 
and inhumanity of the chivalry of the South. 

4* 



42 NINETEEN MONTHS 



CHAPTER V. 

The Winter of 1863 and '64 — Miseries multiplied — Arrival of Prisoners 
from Burnside's Army — Their terrible Snflferings — A Niglit of 
Horror — Fearful Extremities of Cold — Pitiable Expedients to keep 
Warm — The Number of Deaths during the Winter — B.urial of the 
Dead. 

My absence from the island now proved worse for me 
than if I had remained and endured all its privations. 
Winter was not yet passed, and the quarters which I 
had occupied before leaving were now in possession of 
another. By a fortunate circumstance, one of my com- 
panions and myself succeeded in securing a shelter — 
which, by a stretch of imagination, was called a tent by 
the islanders sufficient, by care and close contact, to ac- 
commodate two. This at least had the effect of lessen- 
ing our exposure, though we were obHged to lay on the 
ground and had only such covering as we could secure 
by the pohte manner in which we approached the 
guard and a prompt levy upon the late possession of a 
dead comrade. 

The winter of 1863 and '64 was a terrible one for the 
miserable inhabitants of Belle Island. The season was 
colder than had been known for some years. The cold 
Vvinds, rains, and snows swept the island mercilessly. It 
seemed to blow fiercer than ever, to increase our wretch- 
edness. Those who had tents or huts were compara- 
tively comfortable, and still they suffered ; but the misery 
and suffering: of those unfortunates who were without 
any protection whatever, cannot be told. All night 



A PRISONER OF WAR. 43 

long the emaciated forms of the outcasts could be seen 
staggering through the camp in order to^ keep from 
freezing. The scarcity of fuel drove them to it. In the 
darkness, or perhaps in the calm cold light of the moon, 
they could be seen moving about, feebly striking their 
shoulders with their hands like spectres preparing for 
some terrible exhibition of demonology. The only rest 
which these men found was durinj^ the dav, to o:et in a 
sunny place and take the reppse nature demanded. 

Two days after my reappearance on the island my 
attention was attracted by four men carrying out of the 
camp the remains of a soldier. I inquired the boy's his- 
tory, for he was a boy not more than sixteen. The sol- 
diers informed me that he was brought in about a month 
before. When he came he was without any things, his 
captors had robbed him of his overcoat and blanket. 
lie could find no shelter. There was no mercy among 
the miserable beings on the island, and the boy was 
obliged to shift for himself. The night was extremely 
cold. He ran about the camp trying to keep his blood 
warm, but despite his exertions, the merciless wind 
pierced him to the very heart. At last, overpowered by 
his exertions, he fell to the ground exhausted : the cold 
throwing him into a stupor, he soon fell asleep. It was 
his last sleep. The next morning he w^as picked up by 
some companions stark cold, and lifeless, as a piece of 
marble. 

In the latter part of December some new prisoners 
arrived on the island. The men were greatly fatigued 
by their trials. They were all without blankets and 
overcoats, having shared the fortunes of all their prede- 
cessors who had fallen into the hands of the enemy. I 
noticed two, who seemed to be particularly devoted to 



4:4 NINETEEN MONTHS 

each other. The one was yet strong and healthy, the 
other weak ^and in poor health. He was completely 
overcome, and the whole of the first night his companion 
belabored him with his fists to keep him awake. Tlje 
night was cold : the weak man could not overcome his 
desire to sleep, and would rouse himself at the urgent 
wish of his companion, but almost immediately again fall 
asleep. At length the night was passed, and as the sun 
rose the strong man conducted his companion to a small 
fire where he laid him on the ground. Between the slight 
heat of the fire and the scarcely perceptible warmth of 
the sun the weak man fell asleep, and did not awake 
until aroused by his companion late in the afternoon. 

On the last day of the year 1863, during a terrific 
storm of wind, snoAv^, and sleet, several hundred of Burn- 
side's men who were captured in the defence of Knox- 
ville, East Tennessee, were brought in. I never gazed 
on a more forlorn, dilapidated, miserable set of men in 
my life. They were fit subjects to be the companions ol 
the tortured beings of Belle Island. Their captors had 
stripped them of every thing, even the clothes on their 
bodies, giving them in exchange their own ragged and 
filthy garments. Nearly two-thirds of them were with- 
out shoes, and not more than a score out of the whole 
number were permitted to keep a blanket or overcoat. 
Very few of the new-comers could find shelter, and the 
remainder were left out in the open air to swell the 
record of misery nightly experienced. The men re- 
ported the most terrible sufifering on their w^ay to Rich- 
mond. Part of the way they were obliged to march 
over mountains, through swamps and streams. • The 
wind, and rain, and cold beat upon them fearfully. Their 
clothes were a sheet of ice, and their feet were blue, 



A PRISONER OF WAR. 45 

swollen, and frostbitten. In this condition they were 
driven daily on long marches, while their keepers were 
riding by their side mounted. At night the miserable 
procession would halt. There were no axes with the 
party ; they were therefore obliged to gather sticks and 
dead-wood for fire. Invariably before midnio;ht the 
fires w^ere out, and the tedious nours until morning 
were spent in shivering and watching. The rations of 
the men were limited to what could be gathered by par- 
ties of the guard detailed as foragers. They always had 
an eye to themselves, but their indolence or inhumanity 
generally found the prisoners short. When this batch 
of prisoners arrived on the island a large number com- 
menced dying within three days, and many others be- 
fore the expiration of a week w^ere obliged to submit to 
amputation of frozen limbs. 

One night in January, 1834, was the worst I remem- 
ber on Belle Island. The day had been clear, but yery 
cold. Men wlio usually souo-ht rest at this time were 

*i CD 

obliged to keep up and bestir themselves to keep warm. 
Many sought and found a few moments rest during the 
day in the quarters of a comrade, but those who were 
deprived of this privilege dreaded a night which would 
probably proye their last. Night came. A piercing 
fierce northeast wind was sweeping ruthlessly across the 
Island. The men who had blankets and quarters were 
frequently driven to the necessity of running through 
the camp ta keep warm. What then must have been 
the sensations of those outside ! About midnight I could 
no longer stand my shivering, and jumped into the open 
air for exercise. I never shall foi'get the scene I wit- 
nessed there. The whole camp was crowded with men, 
dashing about, jumping, stamping their feet, and swing- 



46 NINETEEN MONTHS 

ing their arms according to their strength and the de- 
gree of heat still left or awakened in them. I joined 
the throng, clasping my hands rapidly around my shoul- 
ders and jumping occasionally to start the circulation 
in my feet. While undergoing this process of warm- 
ing, occasionally dashing across an open space in the 
camp, I saw num.bers of men move from tent to tent 
begging and crying jDiteously, their jaws rattling with 
cold, to be admitted. As far as there was any possibility 
of accommodating another they were admitted, and the 
huts and tents were crammed to double their capacity. 
Frequently the too incautious entrance of a stranger 
would demolish the frail shelter of the occupants, and the 
whole were driven out to pass the rest of the night a 
victim of their sympathy. Refusal where the quarters 
w^ere absolutely full, only multiplied the desperation of 
the men disappointed, w^hen in the consummation of their 
sufferings they fell frantically upon their knees and at- 
tempted to burrow with their nails into tlie frozen sur- 
face with a perfect frenzy. Wh^n disappointed in this, 
the wretched men would throw^ themselves in a heap, 
one on the other, in order to aggregate the warmth of 
their bodies, so as to make a sensible effect through the 
whole mass. In these efforts the recklessness of the men 
was really painful. They would fall upon one another 
and struggle to-be beneath. Here a desperate light en- 
sued, having at least the good effect of exciting the men 
and firinor their blood. In these struoro-les the strono^est 
invariably found the warmest part of the mass, and the 
weakest, lying on the outside shivering with the wind, 
would keep his place for a moment and jump up and 
strike for himself. This would bring: the cold on the 
next. He too W'Ould jump up, and so on until the whole 



A PRI50XES OF WAR. 4.7 

mass would be broken up and the men seeking other 
means of comfort. Thus the wearv nisfht wore awav, 
rendered doubly long and cruel by the anxious wretches 
who were praying for morning. I could not return to 
my quarters. Several attempts found little comfort 
there, and the next morning I found myself well-nigh 
overcome. 

The scene presented by the return of day was horrible. 
All through the camp bodies of men frozen to death 
were found. Many made insensible by the cold had 
fallen asleep, and been frozen. Others would fall asleep, 
but arouse at a timely moment to save tliemselves from 
the fatal stupor. I now observed a large number seat 
themselves, hugging their knees close to their bodies. 
Others would fall over and sleep a few minutes, and then 
start to their feet, as if in doubt whether they were 
frozen or alive. Xature seemed to sympathize with the 
wretchedness, and as the morning grew, the sun rose 
bright ; it was never so comfortable and full of 
warmth. The sufferers of the nioht now assured of a 
chance of awakening, gave way to exhausted nature. 
They lay everywhere through the camps, on the sunny 
side of hovels, and seemed to enjoy their slumbers as 
though they reposed on beds of down. 

About noon a burial-party searched the camp for the 
dead who had fallen during^ the nio-ht. I watched the 
sad office. The detail was from the island guard, and 
tlie manner in which they performed their duty was 
brutal in the extreme. Many a poor fellow who was 
comparatively comfortable was well shaken and disturbed 
in his slumbers, by the heartless inquiry : " Hello, tliere, 
are you dead yet?" The frozen, or rather those who 
made no reply to the questions of the burial-party (and 



48 NINETEEN MONTHS 

lio one knows how many of these, by proper treatment, 
were capable of resuscitation), were placed in rude pine 
boxes, and conveyed to the graveyard, where they re- 
mained several days, and were finally buried. 

At the time, during the winter, when the sufiering of 
the men was at its height, there were from exposure 
* alone as many as twenty-seven, and sometimes fifty 
deaths in a single night ; and so completely insensible 
had the men become to these scenes of wretchedness, 
that scarcely a word passed on the death of a most inti- 
mate comrade, and frequently frozen bodies would lie a 
whole day in camp, exposed to the view of everybody 
who chose to look at them. What else could be ex- 
pected than this awful mortality? Nine long weeks, 
during the months of December, January, and February 
passed, without the issue of a single load of wood to the 
prisoners on the island. Who was to blame for this 
heartless oversight, neglect, or indolence, is of course 
not known. Daily, hundreds of men would call upon 
the officers of the guard, and beg that some fuel be sent ; 
even if necessary to cut down the rations. But no, no 
wood came, and many a long night and weary day, under 
every description of weather, the prisoners endured their 
dreadful lot. I often thought how many lives, by a 
single stick of wood, might have been saved. But to 
save life was evidently not the wish of the traitors ; they 
seemed to care nothing for that. There was to them 
an evident satisfaction, next to his suffering, in the death 
of a Union soldier. 

I shall never forget the month of January, 1864. This 
was the worst of the winter. Every day, after witness- 
ing some new phase of horror and human suffering, I 
could not but breathe a prayer that God, in his inexorable 



A PRISONEE OF WAK. 4:9 

justice, would deal with our enemies according to their 
deserts. I tried to suppress a desire for revenge with 
my own hands. I looked on all sides of me. There 
were stalwart frames, wrecks of men who left their 
homes at the patriotic impulse of love of country and 
constitutional liberty, men who had stormed the breach 
and marched uj)on the cannon's mouth, now helpless 
victims of the outrageous crime of Southern treason. 

5 



6C NINETEEN MONTHS 



CHAPTER VI. 

runishraents— Backing and Gagging— Riding the Horse — Great Suffer- 
ings and Torture under tlie rigors of a fiendish Vindictiveness. 

Not satisfied with the sufferino^s of the men from the 
want of food and shelter, there w^ere numerous punish- 
ments inflicted upon them from the slighte^st causes. 
There was a red-whiskered sergeant of a portion of the 
rebel guard on the island, who particularly revelled in 
inflicting the grossest torture. His chief delight was to 
buck and gag the men, and he executed his diabolical 
work upon the slightest pretences. Bucking and gag- 
ging was carried out by obliging the victim to seat him- 
self on the ground. Next his hands were tied, and his 
arms forced around his knees. The next situation was a 
stout stick shoved horizontally between the arms and 
the knees, passing over the former and under the latter, 
securing the man completely in a most painful position. 
A block of wood was then fastened in the mouth by 
means of a string. Men in this situation were often per- 
mitted to remain, weak and half clad as they were, with- 
out food, seated for a whole day, and in extraordinary 
cases a day and a night, on the cold ground, ex- 
posed to the cold and pelting rain, without the power of 
extricating or moving a limb. Kept in this constrained 
and painful attitude, the suffering of the unfortunate 
victim may be imagined. The author of the 'cruelty, or 
at least the medium of its execution, looked upon it with 
peculiar relish. 



A PEISONER OF WAR. 51 

Darin<r one of the raids or sudden movements in Feb- 
ruary, 1864, against Richmond (I could not learn the 
exact nature of the affair), the rebel capital was evident- 
ly thrown into great anxiety, judging from the manner 
of the guards on the island. Their fear of speedy ret- 
ribution instead of effecting a relaxation of their severe 
measures, rather heightened them. A few days after 
the first excitement was over, a small number of cap- 
tured raiders were brouQ-ht on the island. The red- 
whiskered sergeant was particularly delighted at his new 
subjects. His mind seemed immediately to plan some 
original torture for the new-comers. The first day — and 
it was rainy and terrible — he compelled three of these 
men to place themselves astride a wooden horse. He 
then fastened a rope to each foot, and drawing the limbs 
apart, fastened the other extremities of the rope to 
stakes previously driven in the ground, about six feet on 
either side of the horse. The men then had their hands 
secured behind them, by means of a rope attached to 
stakes in the rear ; their heads were then drawn back, 
and another rope run through their mouths, between the 
teeth, and both ends fastened to a thirty-two-pound shot. 
Two of the men fainted in the beo;inninor of this brutal- 
ity, but no heed was given them, and the three were 
kept in this condition of torture for fully an hour and a 
half. 

Harmless as we were, it was impossible to retaliate or 
interfere. With burning rage, day after day, we were 
obliged to witness our miseries, manifold in number, in- 
creased by the brutal arts of a fiend, who was encour- 
aged in this inhumanity by the applause of all true- 
hearted Southerners who visited the island. Often have 
I studied the brute's features, his form, his manner, his 



52 NINETEEN MONTHS 

voice, and then looked again to be sure to fix him in ray 
mind. How many have done this ! For what reason, 
let the first meeting say. 

It would be impossible and a profitless task to under- 
take to mention all the different modes of punishment. 
The full round is familiar to every man who ever was a 
victim of Belle Island. This was but another means of 
manifesting the mean and vindictive spirit, impotent in- 
somuch as the National Government was concerned, and 
a lasting disgrace to the perpetrators of the fiendish 
work upon those who, through the casualties of war, 
were thrown into their hands. 



A PEISONEE OF WAK. 63 



CHAPTER VII. 

Theft—Police Eegulations of the Island—Eegulators and Raiders- 
Summary Punishments — Treachery of the Camp-guard. 

SuEROUXDED by so much misery, prison life has a gen- 
eral tendency to encourage all the evil of men, and very 
little of the good. I allude to those acts called forth 
by the instinct of self-preservation, for the struggle upon 
Belle Island was one of Hfe and death, and the men were 
often driven, by the necessities of their situation, to acts 
of which they disapproved, and which, under any other 
circumstances, would have called forth a cry for summary 
dealings. The practice most troublesome on the island 
was theft. Any person possessing a coat, or blanket, or 
haversack, was obliged to carry them about his person, 
or leave them m charge of a reliable comrade. Any 
thing wearable, eatable, or usable in any shape to add 
to the comfort of the possessor, could not be left un- 
guarded for a moment without mysteriously or openly 
disappearing. 

Theft was not confined to any particular class of per- 
sons, in a moral point o f view, but was carried on as a 
matter of the most desj^erate necessity, by those who 
were without the necessary article. The prisoners were 
much ridiculed by the Southern press for their stealing 
and cheating propensities, but forgot to lay the cause 
where it justly belongs. If each man had been reason- 
ably well supphed, these things would not have occur- 
red. But when a man was freezing to death, whether 

5* 



54: NIKETEEK MONTHS 

it is right to steal a coat or a blanket, or when another 
was starving to death, neither person will hesitate long 
to speculate upon the moral right of an opportunity to 
alleviate his sufferings and save life. Not one man out 
of ten, when he arrived on the island, had a single thing 
calculated to make him comfortable. Even their clothes 
were nothing but the homespun and tattered cast-off 
garments of a rebel soldier or citizen. The men were 
obliged to meet their wants somehow, and were com- 
I^elled in a majority of instances to do it by stealing or 
purchasing the clothing of the dead. 

If the necessities of many drove them to theft to sup- 
ply their deficien cies of clothing, shelter, and food, there 
were another set who, being supplied, for their own pro- 
tection, established a self-constituted police, known on 
the island as " Regulators." This force was highly effi- 
cient, prompt, and severe in its way, and was particu- 
larly the terror of evil-doers. The party against whom 
they were banded were known as "Raiders." The 
"Regulators" patroled the camp with watchful eyes, 
and the "Haiders," equally on the alert, were continu- 
ally on the lookout for a chance. If a " Raider" was 
discovered carrying off any thing, a party of " Regula- 
tors" immediately gave chase. The pursuit was gener- 
ally a matter of strength on the part of the pursued and 
the pursuers. If the former had more strength than 
any one of the latter, he escaped. If not, he was over- 
taken and brought to trial. The "Regulators" were 
armed with sticks, and if the " Raider" was found guilty, 
they made him first disgorge and then belabored him 
most unmercifully. From the effects of such a beating 
several deaths occurred during my confinement on the 
island. 



A PRISONER OF WAR. 65 

During the month of February, 1864, shortly before 
my transfer to Andersonville, there was an instance of 
" raiding" which proved more disastrous than was usu- 
ally the case. .One of the guard had thrown his blanket 
across the bank to dry. While his back was turned an 
expert " Raider" seized it and made off. The guard 
immediately after, on looking for his blanket, found it 
gone. In his exasperation he levelled his piece and fired 
into the crowd of prisoners near his beat, instantly kill- 
insT one, severinor an artery in another who bled to 
death in a few moments, and severely wounded a third; 
This so enraged the remainder of the crowd, that in co- 
operation with a squad of " Regulators", they started oii 
a hunt for the '' raider." In their rage, there was not 
the least doubt that if he had been discovered at the 
time he would have been hung Without ceremony — not 
for the crime of " raiding," but for committing an act 
which he knew would endanger the lives of innocent 
men. The lieutenant of the guard, about an hour after, 
ferreted out the culprit and had him conveyed outside 
the camp limits, and ordered him to be stripped and re- 
ceive twenty lashes on the back. The man haudlincr the 
lash being a rebel soldier, laid it on the victim with his 
whole force. The lieutenant remarked that the punish- 
ment "was not for being the cause of the death of a 
couple of Yankee prisoners, but for stealing the 
blanket." 

About shooting prisoners the guard was perfectly 
reckless, and at one time the number of deaths from this 
cause became so great, that it was a common remark in 
camp that if "twenty-five or ^thirty Yankees did 
not die daily in the Richmond hospitals, the guard shot 
enough on the island to make up the deficiency.'' 



56 NINETEEN MONTHS 

The treachery of the island guards often proved fa- 
tal to the lives of venturesome prisoners. One instance 
of this I will mention. In February, 1864, the Sergeant- 
Major of the 77th Pennsylvania volunteers, who had for 
a long time been a prisoner on the island, sighed for 
freedom. For some time he had been intimate with one 
of the guard. While in conversation with him on one 
occasion tlie guard informed the Sergeant-Major that for 
a certain sum he would pass him and two comrades out- 
side the chain of sentries and row them across the river. 
The Sergeant-Major relying on the sincerity of the offer, 
found two prisoners who had the money and were will- 
ing to pay and hazard the attempt to make their es- 
cape. The guard received the money, and the same 
night the three men were passed out the gate according 
to agreement. They w^ere quickly stealing towards the 
river ; arriving near the bank, they felt as if they could 
almost see and feel freedom in their grasp. They were 
staggered with surprise when suddenly a volley of mus- 
ketry was fired at them. Immediately four guards 
sprang from an ambuscade. Two of the guard had been 
severely wounded by their own fire ; the remaining four 
clubbed with the butts of their muskets the three be- 
wildered prisoners, exclaiming wildly, "Tour time has 
come, you G — d d — m Yankees ! Your time has come, 
you can put on your overcoats in the morning." The 
three men would have been beaten to death on the spot 
if a lieutenant, aroused by the noise, had not arrived 
at this juncture and interfered on their behalf, placing 
a guard over them. The next day the three men were 
searched and robbed, after which they were stripped 
and turned into camp. This act of brutality so aroused 
the sympathies of the rest of the prisoners, that a contri. 



A PRISONER OF WAR. 57 

bution of clothing not in use, or fragments of clothing 
was taken up, out of -which the unfortunate men were 
clad. 

The guard who practised this diabolical scheme, 
boasted and laughed over his smartness, calling it a 
" Yankee trick.'> 



68 NINETEEN M0NTU3 



CHAPTER VIII 

Kational Airs— Hatred of them by the Southern Soldiers— Greenbacks 
and Contraband Trade — Speculations in Food — In Money — Quota- 
tions—The Richmond Brokers— IIow the Yankees outwitted the 
Guards. 

The vindictive spirit of the Southern hatred of the 
United States was frequently exhibited, particularly in 
the dislike manifested at the old and fomiliar national 
airs. All tunes like the "Star Spangled Banner," "Co- 
lumbia, Gem of the Ocean," and all airs calculated to 
revive a recollection of the davs when we were one, were 
absolutely proscribed. There was not so much hostility 
felt against the tune "Red, White, and Blue," as these 
colors were disgraced by application to the flag of 
treason. The guards often could be heard singing this 
air, thoug;h in a different lano^uao-e and a less exalted 
spirit than characterized the old song. As for " Yankee 
Doodle," this was still more odious than the worst, 
Tlie tune originally applied in derision to the patriots 
of 1776 had become too closely interwoven by too many 
glorious recollections in the minds of the lovers of th^ 
institutions for which our forefatliers fought, to sound 
harmonious in treason's ear. There were too many 
memories of justice and principle associated around it, to 
sound well in the ear of the outlaws of civilization. 

On one occasion, while a party of prisoners were sing- 
ing national airs, a guard who lost his peace of mind in 
listening to the familiar sounds, discharged his musket 



A PRISONER OF WAR. 59 

into the tent in which the prisoners were sitting.. The 
music ceased suddenly. Fortunately the deadly missive 
passed through without harming any one. The offence 
was too sacred. 

There was one article of Yankee ingenuity to which 
the rebel soldiers, officers and every other species of 
rebel, took a great fancy. That article was a " Green- 
back," and any prisoner who saved any of them during 
the thieving processes through which he was put in the 
beginning of his experience as a prisoner, had a sort of 
omnipotence and received a .courtesy quite bending in 
view of the lofty-pated character of the rebels. By 
means of greenbacks, whilst they lasted, a prisoner was 
enabled to live comparatively quite comfortable, ordi^r- 
to the contrary notwithstanding. 

Trading, by the rules of the camp, was strictly prohibi- 
ted. This gave rise to a brisk contraband traffic on the part 
of the guard and a few " speculators," prisoners. These 
transactions are worthy of some detail. The guard by 
some means contrived to brino- a few triflino; articles on 
the island. Upon exposing these for sale an arrange- 
ment was immediately made with a speculator, who pur- 
chased at an enormous price. These speculators in course 
of time commenced their operations more openly, until 
thev established themselves on the main street running^ 
through the camp. For the reason of these mercantile 
pursuits, the street was kno\\m by the name of " Market- 
street." This avenue soon became the scene of busy agi- 
tation, and in the bustle at least, if not the business, 
would rate favorably with places of considerable popu- 
lation. The speculators took their stands at prominent 
points, and managed their sales with great dexterity and 
noise. Considering that nine men out of ten were en- 



60 NINETEEN MONTHS 

tirely out of money, and nine out of that ten had very 
little and held it as a reserve for some greater necessity 
than they had yet experienced, the " speculators'' were 
an indefatigable set, and kept up a terrible hullabaloo 
without eliciting much money. 

One could be heard yelling at the top of his voice — 

" Walk up, gentlemen, walk up ! Here's where you 
get every thing you want !" 

Another would sino- out in the interroo^ative form — 

"Who's the lucky man to buy this last slice of bread 
for ten cents greenback or one dollar Confed?" 

Another could be heard — 

" Step up, gentlemen, and buy a spoonful of salt — ten 
cents greenback or one dollar Confed." 

These and various other invitations usually attracted 
a large crowd, but very seldom a purchaser. The spec- 
ulators were a despised set, but as their performances 
during the long weary hours of prison-life drove away 
the en7iui of idleness and gave much amusement to 
those whose sufferings had not completely overwhelmed 
them with despair, they were tolerated. 

It frequently, however, happened where the men were 
obliged to carry on a species of trading urged by ne- 
cessity. If one had an article of food which he could 
dispose of for something less valuable and more bulky 
in the stomach, he would take this means of meeting his 
w^ants. A common practice was to trade with a sick 
man coffee for corn-bread. 

Fresh meat Avas a luxury. As an article of trade it 
commanded from twenty-five to fifty cents per ounce, 
and few there were able to buv it. Several times duiing: 
my imprisonment on the island dogs strayed within the 
dangerous precincts of the " dead-line." So it emphati* 



A PRISONER OF WAR. 61 

cally proved to the dog. In a few moments he was the 
subject of contention among as many as could lay hold 
on him. The animal always set up a piteous howl, only 
so forcible as could be drawn from the treatment he 
might expect from men made desperate by hunger. In 
the midst of the 77ielee the dog was literally torn to 
pieces, — men bearing off the legs and ears, and a hall 
dozen still struggling over the possession of the carcass, 
drao-oinor out the entrails and making^ a most offensive 
scene. The guards generally laughed at these exhibi- 
tions of the desperate straits to which the prisoners w^ere 
reduced. 

Money was a legitimate article of speculation with 
everybody. There were three parties interested. The 
prisoners, the guards, and the Richmond brokers, — the 
latter remotely. The money market had its quotations, 
its fluctuations, and dealers made fortunes and experienced 
failures: that is, in a run of good luck they became 
" flush ;" and the reverse, '* broke." 

The current rates, generally running on the ascending 
Kcale, were : 

Belle Island: Confederate bills, $10 to $15 for $1 
greenbacks. 

Richmond: Confederate bills, $16 to $20 for $1 
greenbacks. 

The guards were led on by the Richmond brokers, to 
whom they sold the proceeds of their speculations, when 
permitted to visit the city. 

In their money dealings Yankee ingenuity generally 
triumphed. In numerous cases it was a triumph of ar- 
tistic skill over blind cupidity. The prisoners, by means 
of a lead-pencil, rendered small bills easily convertible 
into those of a higher denomination. For instance, a 

6 



62 NINETEEN MONTHS 

one they altered into a ten, and received from some un- 
suspecting guard from 8100 to $150 in Confeder- 
ate currency. The fraud was palpable at a glance and 
would have been detected by a child at the North, but 
combined avarice and fear of detection by their officers, 
allowed the guard only sufficient time to see that the 
bill was green^ had on it a picture of " old Abe" or some 
other dignitary of the United States, and represented a 
certain amount, when they quickly deposited it in the 
barrel of their rifles and resumed walking their posts. 

The guards usually realized the full force of the decep- 
tion upon settling up with their banker, as was evident 
from the character of their countenances when again 
seen at their beats. 



A PEISONEK OF WAR. 63 



CHAPTER IX. 

Desertions to the Enemy — Twenty-eight Renegade Cobblers— The De- 
votion of Southern Union Soldiers — Contribution of the Sanitary 
Commission — The Treatment received from the "Rebel Government. 

DuRixG my confinement on Belle Island there were a 
small number of men who renounced then* loyalty to the 
national Government, and gave in their adherence to 
the rebels, by taking the oath of allegiance to support 
their cause. These acts might receive some palliation, 
if thev had occurred in the cases of those who found it 
the only alternative to save life. But it happened that 
the traitors were those who had always been the ' best 
treated, and were the worst, most degraded and vile- 
looking set of human beings I' had ever seen, even m 
the dens of iniquity and crime in the large cities. The 
men who " deserted," as it was termed, were always ap- 
plied to some purpose in the employ of the rebel govern- 
ment, and were never sent to the front. They seldom 
had trades, and therefore were of but little use at the 
best. There was one purpose to which they were ap- 
plied, that multiplied their baseness and degradation. 
I mean in the service of the prison guards. We had a 
squad of this class on the island, and a more despotic 
and cruel set could not be imagined. And even while 
doing their greatest to please their masters, they were 
the object of distrust. Some of the men had conscience 
enough left to repent of their guilt, but having taken the 
fatal step, it was too late to retract. 

Another case I will mention occurred on the 15th of 



64 NINETEEN MONTHS 

December, 1863. Notice was given in camp that a cer- 
tain number of shoemakers were wanted, and would re- 
ceive three dollars per day for working at their trade 
in Richmond. There was considerable talk about tlie 
oifer, and it was supposed there were none who were 
so totally forgetful of their flag as to consent. The hour 
for those accepting the proposition to make their assent 
known arrived. All the prisoners able to stand were 
congregated near the main gate, to witness the issue of 
the call. A rebel officer soon stepped forward, and called 
upon all those who accepted the offer to step forward. 
Every thing was quiet. Directly twenty-eight renegade 
cobblers, hanging their heads in shame, and moving re- 
luctantly as if their legs refused to carry them, went 
over to the enemy. The men hissed them loudly, and 
turned away in disgust. The cobblers were placed under 
guard, and marched off the island. 

I cannot pass a matter unnoticed which has elicited 
the admiration, and resjDect of all true Union prisoners. 
I allude to the men of Southern birth who adhered to 
the national Government, and took up arms in its de- 
fence. Every one is aware that there are in the service 
a number of these men, and a number of organizations 
bearing the names of their native States. I am not 
much an admirer of Southern Unionism, in the general 
sense of the term, particularly among that class of men 
so largely in the majority, who cry loyalty to the United 
States, but remained at home giving aid and comfort to 
either side who happened to be in the neighborhood. 
Policy, so far as my experience goes, is nine-tenths of 
Southern fealty to the Government. 

But to the point : the inhabitants from the liberty-in- 
spiring mountains of East Tennessee are loyal, and have 



A PRISONER OF WAR. 65 

shown their loyalty by sending to the war for the Gov- 
ernment a large number of brave soldiers. It has been 
particularly noticeable that these men, falling in battle, 
wounded or prisoners of war, were subjected by their 
capture to the grossest insults and cruelty. In prison 
they were held as hostages, and during exchange of 
prisoners were the last exchanged. Their prison treat- 
ment, if possible, was more severe than that sustained 
by men of Northern regiments; and upon the most 
trivial charges they were bucked, gagged, murdered, 
starved, and every thing else that increased the horrors 
of prison life. But with all the deep-seated and special vin- 
dictiveness and animosity shown them, they bore their 
trials manfully, never complaining, but always i-eady for 
the worst. I take much pleasure in placing this testi- 
mony on record, of the lofty and self-sacrificing patriot- 
ism which has characterized the loyal representatives oi 
the South. 

In the month of January, 1864, the prisoners of Belle 
Island were the recipients of a large quantity of cloth- 
ing, as an evidence of the thoughtfulness and charity oi 
the United States Sanitary Commission. This was the 
second lot received since the commencement of the 
winter. 

With the clothing came an officer, who was released 
from Libby prison, to act as agent for its distribution. 
The newly delegated powers evidently greatly puffed 
the officer. He came on the island, and during his whole 
stay acted with an overbearing manner greatly beneath 
the dignity of a gentleman. On his first appearance 
he "bucked" and "gagged" several men, on a most 
trivial cause. During the existence of his brief author- 
ity he exacted the greatest deference to his rank, and 

6* 



66 NINETEEN MONTHS 

took his own time. He was perfectly wound up in red 
tape, which looked very much like '' putting on style," 
or, as the men termed it, " showing oiF." I mention 
this fact, as it was the common remark of prisoner and 
guard. 

It was painful in the extreme to see scores of sick and 
emaciated men, who could scarcely keep on their legs, 
obliged to stand and wait several hours shivering in the 
cold, until his tardy efforts brought their turns. But 
above all, to see him deliberately sit down at a fine din- 
ner in the presence of his suffering countrymen, and eat 
with rebel of&cers provisions sent from- the North and 
for prisoners, was exasperating to the highest degree. 
I feared several times the men would overstep the hard 
necessities of their situation, and rise in desperation and 
despair at such consummate selfishness. At length, after 
the clothing was distributed, there was a momentary joy 
overspread the camp. A smile or a shout of rejoicing 
w^as not an unusual thing. " Hurrah for Jersey City !" 
"Three cheers for Maine!" ''How are you, Pennsyl- 
vania !" "Bully for little Rhody!" "Good for Minne- 
sota !" and so on, each man expressing the source 
whence came his share in the donation. But tw^o days 
had not passed before this glimmer of sunshine w^as dis- 
pelled by a darker cloud than had previously over- 
shadowed the island. The same day of receiving the 
clothing, the prisoners' rations were cut down almost 
one-third. This reduced it considerably below the mini- 
mum amount previously received. There was but one 
alternative to save life, that was to dispose of their 
clothing. One by one the prisoners got rid of one 
article and another. It was, too, a curious and notice- 
able fact, that the guards were unusually w^ell supplied. 



A PKISONER OF WAPw. 67 

In less" than one week after the clothing was distrib- 
uted almost every article had passed over to the guards. 
The prisoners were again reduced to their primitive con- 
dition, and their rations were accordingly raised to the 
original standard. It was palpable to every one that 
the scarcity was a cover for the securement of the cloth- 
ing sent on the island, giving the transaction, as the 
enemy supposed, a shadow of legitimacy. 



68 NINETEEN MONTHS 



CHAPTER X. 

A special Exchange — Sad Disappointment-— A Eevolt organized — Details 
of the Plan — Its discovery — Precautions of the Rebel Authorities. 

The latter part of the month of January, 1864, brought 
great rejoicing in camp, over a report spread among the^ 
prisoners that five hundred were counted off for exchange, 
and that the island was to be cleared in less than a 
week. ISTo sooner had the men heard this than all 
seemed to rise in strength and spirits. Again cheers, 
though from feeble lungs, were heard, and all were talk- 
ing of home, and a speedy escape from past misery, in- 
deed, all that we had suffered was forgotten in the word 
liberty, and many thought, as they w^ere soon to leave 
the scene of their trials, that they had at least learned 
one lesson, how to appreciate the blessings vouchsafed 
them by the Government in whose service they had 
suffered all. The good news had a sensible effect upon 
the money market, and prisoners having Confederate 
bills to sell were the losers. Large inducements were 
offered, but the guards preferred the greenbacks. One 
prisoner passing through the gate offered sixty-eight 
dollars in Confederate bills for one dollar in greenbacks, 
and found no one to take him up. 

The first batch of prisoners had left, and patiently we 
of the remainder were awaiting our turn, A whole day 
passed, and no more news w^as received from the Rich- 
mond authorities. The second day came, and still no 
orders to prepare. In the afternoon a rebel officer was 



A PRISOI^ER OF WAR. 69 

seen riding towards the camp: all supposed it was a call 
for another batch, and man}' were already preparing for 
their departure. In half an hour after, we were informed 
that the first lot were merely to meet a special exchange. 
The revulsion was terrible, some cried, others beat them- 
selves, and others withdrew to their huts to mourn over 
their frustrated ho|)es. 

. Disappointment, heaped upon misery, drove us to the 
very brink of despair. Where all betokened speedy re- 
lief from our trials, were now clouds doubly black with 
gloom. For several days we forgot our wretchedness 
in the melancholy contemplation of shattered expecta- 
tions. But that dash of light which hope developed only 
whetted the desire to be free. Escape, desperate reso^ 
lutions, though always in the mind, now assumed form, 
and the men determined to make an effort. 

For some weeks the i^lan of a general uprising was 
discussed by the most prudent and sagacious of the 
prisoners. Several methods were presented and analyzed, 
but without result. None were feasible under the most 
favorable circumstances. A month passed, and still 
nothing was determined ; at length, in the beginning of 
February, a scheme was projjosed, which, with prompt 
action, might terminate at least in the escape of a portion 
of our number, if not all, in a condition to bring to the 
task sufficient strength. 

It was generally believed that the greater portion of 
Lee's army was menacing Meade's cantonments on the 
Rappahannock, and that Richmond was merely held by 
garrisons confined to the defences several miles from the 
ttity. Accordingly, five hundred prisoners were advised 
of the details of the plan of escape; having approved of 
which, they received their instructions. At each post on 



70 NINETEEN MONTHS 

the guard-line there were to be three men, and a sufficient 
number were to rendezvous at a point as near the re- 
serve guard as possible. At a preconcerted signal, each 
post and the reserves were to be overpowered and dis- 
armed, and, under penalty of death, required to follow 
quickly, and hold their peace. Simultaneously, tlie re- 
mainder of the camp was to be informed of the revolt, 
and, under the excitement thus occasioned, were to be 
called to strike for liberty. Tlie piece of artillery on the 
island, not more than one hundred yards distant, was to 
be carried by assault by a quick movement of a detail 
made for that purpose. The remaining three pieces, being 
in position across the river, could not be reached, and, 
therefore, their fire we expected to sustain. According to 
the arrangements, those taking part in the revolt were to 
cross from the island by the bridge on the south side, 
and thence get on the north bank by the main bridge 
crossing to Richmond. It was intended that the move- 
ment should be so quick that immediately after the 
weapons of the guard were secured, about one hun- 
dred men thus armed should clear the way, followed by 
those yet without arms; and, by the time they were well 
under way, the parties holding the rebel guards, desti'oy. 
ing the artillery and boats, were to cover the rear, and 
destroy the bridge, if possible, after them. After gain- 
ing a foothold in the city, two detachments, previously 
designated, were to strike out on an independent errand ; 
one to liberate all Union prisoners in the city, and arm 
them with captured weapons; the other to seize all 
necessary arms and ammunition in store there. In order 
to heighten the confusion, the <;ity was to be fired by in- 
dependent parties. It was supposed that one hour 
would suffice to accomplish m.atters thus far. It was 



A PRISONER OF WAR. ^ 71 

then intended to make a rapid march by way of the 
peninsula to our lines at Yorktown. This route was 
selected, because it was at the time one most poorly de- 
fended in point of numbers, and the country afforded 
the best protection in case of pmsuit. 

February 7th found all our plans come to naught. 
For some reasons the enemy suspected something brew- 
ing. Whether it was treachery on the part of any one 
connected with tlie secret of the uprising, or whether it 
was merely a suspicion that our actions were not all 
right, we never learned. Xothing was ever, to my 
knowledge, whispered on the subject. But the fear and 
suspicions of the guards, were evident; for several battal- 
ions of home organizations 'arrived on the island that 
day, and morning and evening, subsequently, went 
through company and battalion drill in front of the 
camp. The old guards were relieved by troops from the 
front, a new set of sentinels were posted at different 
points, and the provost-guard in Richmond was strongly 
reinforced. The same day, while going to the river's 
bank for water, I discovered on the camp gate this 
notice : ^ 

Hereafter any person coming within six feet of the bank, after 
tattoo, runs the risk of being shot. 

By command of 

V. BASSIEUX, 

Lieutenant-commanding 

This convinced me and every one else that we were 
suspected, and the subject of escape was indefinitely 
postponed. 



72 NINETEEN MONTHS 



CHAPTER XI. 

Clearing Belle Island — Expectations of Home — The over-buoyant 

Spirits of the Men — Fatal Consequences — Sad Realizations. 

About the middle of February, the rebel government 
directed Belle Island to be cleared. Accordingly, de- 
tachments of several hundred prisoners, every few days, 
were taken off, and it was supposed, by those remaining, 
the exchange was resumed. On account of this supposi- 
tion, excitement again prevailed. Men, haggard and 
weak, leaped with joy. The sick, even, crawled from 
their filthy and vermin-covered resting-jDlaces to share in 
the universal shout. The eagerness of the men knew no 
bounds. Many, too impatient to await their turns, 
rushed past the guards with the first squad, and w^ere 
clubbed, unmercifully, back by rebel soldiers. During 
the second detachment, I observed about twenty men 
make an effort to force themselves by. This act so exas- 
perated the lieutenant commanding the rebel detail that 
he seized a musket from one of his soldiers, and made a 
lunge, impaling a prisoner upon his bayonet, killing him 
instantly. ISTot satisfied, he seized the piece by the bar- 
rel, and reversed it, striking a prisoner on the head with 
the butt, jDroducing a fearful and mortal contusion of the 
skull ; a third was knocked down by a blow on the 
shoulder ; while a fourth, in warding off a blow, was 
severely wounded in the arm. This piece of brutality 
accomplished its purpose, and the men, thenceforth, 
patiently awaited their names to be called. 



A PRISONER OF WAR. 73 

At the expiration of four days my turn came. The 
prospect of again being under the protection of the 
stars and stripes was a subject of more comfort in imag- 
ination than I looked for really in fact. Nothing was 
said on the island about the destination of the men 
which were sent off. I judged from this that they were 
merely being transferred to some point further in the 
interior. When we were jolaced on board the cars, I 
inquired of one of the guard where they were taking us. 
His reply was, to Camp Sumter, in Georgia. I was not 
at all surprised at this piece of intelligence, and made up 
my mind for the worst. 

7 



» 



74 NINETEEN MONTHS 



CHAPTER XII. 

From Belle Island to Anderson ville — A Terrible Journey — What we 
Experienced on the Way — Universal Sympathy of the Negroes. 

The day upon which we took our departure from the 
rebel capital was February 17, 1864. It was a day long 
to be remembered for its discomforts and food foi: 
gloomy thouglit. The day was raw, wet, and cold ; one 
of that peculiar atmospheric compound only known in 
Virginia. None of us were in a condition for travel. 
The long and weary months of the winter, with their 
scenes and experiences of deliberate barbarism towards 
the prisoners of Belle Island, had reduced us all to a 
degree of exhaustion and debilitation which verged 
upon death. A distant journey was now in store for us. 
It was evident that numbers would never see their desti- 
nation. 

The train upon which we were embarked was made 
tip of a series of old rickety box and platform cars. 
From a shght examination of them, as we were awaiting, 
orders to get aboard, it struck me that they had been in 
the service of that and other roads for at least ten years, 
and for five more laid up as condemned and unfit for 
use. In these we were to be conveyed, as we were told, 
-to Georgia. I made up my mind, in which, luckily, I 
was disappointed, that if some did not lose their lives, 
or were not in some way horribly mutilated by a num- 
ber of railroad accidents, it was no fault of the cars or 
the rebel authorities. 



A PPvISONER OF WAR, 75 

As in every other instance of rebel treatment towards 
prisoners of war, the train was about half large enough 
for those who. were to be accommodated. We were, 
accordingly, huddled miscellaneously, the sick and the 
well, into the same cars. Some were weak, and rendered 
almost powerless from starvation ; others were perfect]} 
helpless from the combined effects of starvation and di>- 
ease. To add to our misery, not even sufficient room 
was allowed for us to lie down : the only alternative, 
therefore, was to fall down in our places and trust to the 
chances of escape from being trod or smothered to death 
by the compact and struggling mass. 

After several hours' delay the train got under motion. 
The fact was very apparent that the engineer seemed 
determined to add to our tortures, by giving two or 
three heavy jerks, which jaramed the inmates of the cars^ 
one upon the other, throwing some upon the floor. 
These wretched men, when the I'eturn motion of the 
mass took place, were unavoidably trodden upon and 
bruised in a terrible manner. They lay there crying for 
mercy and help, until lifted to their feet by the humanity 
of some kind-hearted companion. 

As we moved away from the island, the scene of five 
months' experience, wdiich probably has never been 
endured by human beings other than those who have 
had the misfortune to fall into the hands of the rebel 
government, I could not help looking back and casting a 
farewell glance upon a spot so awful in its scenes of 
misery. 

The camp presented a fit picture of its history. 
Desolation and ruin reigned everywhere. The very air 
about the place hung^like a shadow over the spot; a pall 
hiding one crime of the greatest of all crimes recorded 



76 NINETEEN MONTHS 

in history. Thousands of graves, many still fresh from 
the burial of death's victims during the night, could be 
seen ; the sad mementoes of our trials, and the lasting 
evidences of the inhumanity of those responsible for the 
all-absorbing offence of treason. As we parted from 
these mournful associations, I could not repress a tear 
and an ardent prayer that the distance which would 
probably intervene between our place of future incarcer- 
ation and the seat of the rebel government would at 
least lighten our yoke, and bring our wretchedness 
within the scope of human endurance. 

Our route southward lay immediately to Burkesville 
Junction. At this point the train stopped for about an 
hour to await several upward bound. Thence we pro- 
ceeded to Danville. Thus far we saw few troops, in tact 
^^ery few persons, except old men, women, children, and 
negroes. At all the stations, as we passed, the whole 
population was assembled to '' see the Yankees." We 
found many who seemed to feel a compassion for our 
misfortunes, and though, as a general rule, nothing was 
said favorable or disfavorable of us, certainly not the 
former, we were at least grateful for the silence. Occa- 
sionally a woman, always showing signs of high birth, or 
an old man more intensely vindictive than the rest,, 
would give vent to a round of epithets, which, however, 
were received in silent contempt by us, and seldom 
applauded by those h&aring them. There was some- 
thing eminently pleasing in this fact. It showed, at 
least, that the people, as a mass, had no blame in our 
sufferings, and where curiosity tempted them to view 
us as we passed, there were, unquestionably, in the 
assembled crovv^d, many sympathizing hearts. 

It happened several times on the way to Danville that 



A PKISO]S"EE OF WAR. 77 

some miserable wretches threw stones into the trains, 
and in several instances men were severely injured from 
that cause. 

After a tedious as well as tardy run, we reached Dan- 
ville the day after our departure from Richmond. Here 
it was necessary to lay over several hours to get rations. 
As another example of rebel inhumanity, we were put 
on board the train without food, and kept there in our 
exhausted condition, jostled and tossed about in the most 
barbarous manner, by the wilful act, no doubt, of the 
engineer. The rations which we received at Danville 
were short of the standard at Belle Island. The motion 
of the train had excited our appetites, so that what we 
received, instead of appeasing our cravings, only excited 
them. Before taking our departure the corpses of sev- 
eral soldiers, who died on the way, were taken from the 
train for interment. 

From Danville our next run was to Greensboro, thence 
to Salisbury, Nprth Carolina; thence to Charlotte, 
Columbia, Kingsville, and Branchville, South Carolina. 
Our journey was slow, the roads were in bad condition, 
and the weather every thing calculated to add to our 
wretchedness. In South Carolina the people displayed a 
more bitter hostility than yet experienced. All their 
words, however, fell as harmlessly upon our ears as 
though they were not heard. Some would remark : 
''You infernal Yanks should all be hung for coming 
down here, and meddling with our rights." I thought, 
in answer to this fellow, that the United States was 
just giving the rights they deserved, and of which they 
would reap still more bitter fruits before they got 
through. Another would exclaim : "Youd — d Yankee 
mudsills, I hope every one of you will die in that prison 

7* 



78 NINETEEN MONTHS 

wliere they are taking you." I thought, in reply to this, 
that many of us stood an admirable chance of being dis- 
posed of in that way, but that we would at least prove 
that we were mudsills in a very strong superstructure. 
I felt that there would be a reckoning some day, when 
all w^ould be made rig^ht. 

The greatest satisfaction which we enjoyed in travel- 
ling through the Carolinas, was the universal good-will 
and sympathy of the negro. They heard of our coming, 
and along the route, and despite the terrible stories of 
their owners, they would congregate apart from the 
whites, oftentimes where the woods were most dense, 
and as we passed, wave their turbans, their eyes glisten- 
ing and running over with honest tears. Not unfre- 
quently they would cast a corn pone, a piece of bacon, 
or something eatable into the cars; and when witnessing 
the conflict between the starving men within, they 
would wring their hands, weeping bitterly, and exclaim : 
" De Lor hab mercy on you ! May de hand ob the Lor 
protec his people, de Yankees!" and the like. These 
simple words, contrasted with the haughty spirit of the 
higher class of whites, were to us like soothing balm. 
One word of consolation and hope from the poor negro, 
that innocent child of nature, did more to alleviate, at 
all events our mental anguish, than did a whole volume 
of the vile and opprobrious epithets of the rich whites 
tend to increase it. 

We were, in the second stage of our journey, fur- 
nished with the usual short supply of rations, at Salis- 
bury, Columbia, and Branchville. The effects of our 
transfer and weak condition now commenced to show a 
more alarming increase of mortality from exhaustion. 
It was useless to undertake to reason with the officers 



A PRISONER OF WAR. 79 

in charge, at their downright murder of prisoners; they 
invariably would reply : '' Well, if you would have 
stayed at home, instead of trying to subjugate the South, 
you would not be here." 

At Branchville I had quite a conversation with an old 
female, who, judging from a basket on her arm, and 
sundry undefin able-looking objects therein, w^as guilty of 
the genuine Yankee act of peddling for a living. I beck- 
oned her to me. She came, rather hesitatingly, how- 
ever. 

'' Well, old woman," I asked, leaning out of the car, 
" what have you in your basket ?" 

"Them's pies and cakes," she answered, in a very 
summary w^ay, looking around to see whether any one 
was watching her. 

"How d'ye sell them ?" I asked. 

" I don't sell 'em," she said, again looking around for 
spies ; " I mean I don't sell 'em to you'ens. 

" Well, to whom do you sell them ?" I inquired, feign- 
ing ignorance. " Did you ever see any greenbacks ?" I 
added. 

" I once hear'n tell on 'em. They is what you Yanks 
use like our Confederate money ?" she said, with an in- 
quisitive turn of the head. 

" Yes ; only they are as good as gold up where the 
Yankees come from," I replied. 

The old lady twisted up her mouth, and gave utter- 
ance to a 3)eculiar utterance, " Whip, whoo, I'd like to 
have some on 'em ; I haven't seen any gold these long 
time. They tells us down here they keeps all the gold 
in Richmond, to use for the army; and my old man has 
fit three years without getting any of it." 

Just at this juncture, while the old lady was disposing 



80 IHNETEEN MONTHS 

herself to receive some Yankee money for her pies, a 
rebel officer appeared moving towards her. The old 
lady spied him, and, without further delay, took to her 
heels. 

The officer came up, and said he would " put a stop to 
this talking out of the cars, by giving orders to the 
guard to shoot somebody." This being the case, nothing 
more "was said. 

From Branchville our train proceeded to Augusta, 
Georgia. At this place the enemy seemed to have es- 
tablished a large manufacturing centre for the supply of 
war material for the Southern armies. At Augusta we 
struck almost due south to Millen, and thence west to 
Macon. At the latter place we w^ere again delayed. 
After a great deal of controversy on the part of some 
rebel officers, we again got under way, and after a ride 
of sixty miles reached Anderson, which we soon discov- 
ered was the end of our joui-ney. 



A PRISONER OF WAE. 81 



CHAPTER XIII, 

ArriYal at Anderson — The Condition of the Men— Brutality of a Rebel 
Officer — The March, to Camp Sumter— Description of the Camp. 

Upon our arrival at Anderson ^e were compelled to 
remain on the cars for some hours, while preparations 
were being made to transfer us to camp. Since our 
departure from Belle Island we had not been permitted 
to leave the cars, very seldom even to answer the most 
uro^ent necessities. Some idea mav therefore be formed 
of our condition. Those who were not entirely over- 
come by the journey were cramped and stiff, and covered 
with filth and vermin from lonor and close confinement. 
The sick and exhausted were little better than merely 
alive. These wretched men lay in the cars surrounded 
by the most intolerable filth and foul smell, but were 
unable to move to any opening through which to draw 
a breath of fresh air. In the car in which I rode there 
were several dead or dving^. The former havinsr died 
the day before, gave unmistakable evidences of rapid 
putrefaction. To add to our condition of misery, we had 
received nothingr to eat for twentv-four hours, and were 
consequently, even those who were not sick, well-nigh 
overpowered by weakness. 

After every thing seemed to be ready, an officer came 
around and ordered tlie men to get off the cars. The 
men, to the extent of their ability, obeyed. When all 
that could stand were out, there were still half of the 



82 NINETEEN MONTHS 

* 

number that started on the journey unable to rise to 
their feet. A number who had succeeded in getting to 
the door of the cars were unable to go farther, and 
many who reached the ground sank down, their strength 
completely given out. 

Having waited a few moments, the rebel officer, ex- 
asperated at the tardiness of our movements, went 
through the cars, kicking and cuffing helpless men who 
were lying on the floors unable to move, exclaiming : 
" Get up there, you G — d d — n Yankee, none of your 
playing possum around here !" 

One man, who managed by a desperate efibrt to par- 
tially rise in his place, but fell back again, he took hold 
of and handled most unmercifully. The man was too 
weak to say any thing, but with the most heartrending 
signs, imploring compassion, he asked the heartless 
wretch to deal more humanely with him, or kill him 
outright. 

Another man, who stared at the officer as he passed, 
wdth a pair of expressionless, glassy fearful eyes, was 
kicked in the face because he made, in his delirium, no 
recognition of the officer's command. 

It was, indeed, a terrible scene. Men were even 
thrown from the car, and injured or broken limbs added 
to their sufierings. The feeling of the men who were 
witness to all this was deep, but not a word could be 
said, nor a warding hand be raised without bringing 
down upon all some new form of brutality. 

The rebel officer being thoroughly convinced that he 
had exercised his cruelty upon each man unable to leave 
the cars, directed the guards to march us off to camp. 
As we moved, or rather tottered away, I gave a last 
glance at the unfortunates left behind. I wondered what 



A PKISONEB OF WAR. 83 

new device of inhumanitv would forever relieve both 
fiend and victim of their pains. 

As we filed along to the stockade, we passed a number 
of women, children, and negroes, but very few men. 
Nothing was said to us by 'these lookers on, but I could 
plainly discern that they were terrified at the treatment 
to which we were consigned by their leaders. As we 
drew in sight of the place of our future incarceration, I 
felt sick at heart. There was the rude stockade, the 
sentinels and sentry-boxes, and though the camp was 
then but recently established, that place of horrors, the 
hospital and the graveyard, were not missing, in the ex- 
terior view of the camp. 

When we reached the main entrance, and on the way, 
many of us were again subjected to the thieving process. 
However, as we came direct from Belle Island, it was 
generally admitted as a consequence that we were not 
rich either in money or effects. It was ^considered that 
what the Belle Island ofiicials and guards left was not 
worth stealing. We were hence not very closely ex- 
amined. 

As usual, we were turned into Camp Sumter like so 
many beasts, to take care of ourselves, and without any 
thing with which to do it. What we wanted particu- 
larly was food, but our most urgent wants seemed to be 
a good argument on the part of the authorities for 
delay. Accordingly, we had several long hours of hun- 
ger left us for reflection and rest. When our first rations 
were issued, we found them not perceptibly difiering in 
material and quantity from what we had experienced at 
Belle Island. 

Camp Sumter is situated near the village of Ander- 
son, Sumter County, Georgia. Anderson is a station on 



84 NINETEEN MONTHS 

the Southwestern raih^oad, about midway between its 
two branches, each running abruptly to the west, to 
the Chattahoochee River, at Columbus, Geoi'getown, 
and Fort Gaines, Georgia. The camp derives its name 
from the county in which it is located. It was Ihiished 
in the beginning of February, 1864, and by the middle 
of the same rnonth received its first instalment of occu- 
pants. The remoteness of the locality convinced me 
that the frequency of successful escape from Richmond 
and Belle Island was the main reason for its construc- 
tion ; for, as I found, of nine prisoners who managed to 
elude the camp-guards, not one ever succeeded in reach- 
ing our lines. 

The camp, for the more secure confinement of the 
prisoners, in addition to the usual chain of sentinels, was 
comj^letely surrounded by a stockade sixteen feet in 
height, and originally inclosed an area of about sixteen 
acres ; but the large increase of prisoners by June, 1864, 
required an enlargement, which was made to the extent of 
four acres, making twenty acres in all. ' About ten feet 
from the stockade was a rude railing, investing the en- 
tire camp, called the "dead-line." In the centre was a 
swamj3, covering about one-third the original space, and 
through the middle of which ran a small stream. This 
furnished the water for w^ashing, drinking, and cooking, 
while the swamp was used as a sink. An attempt was 
made by the prisoners to drain this, by running trans- 
verse ditches, communicating with the stream. But 
this was found to be worse than to allow the swamp to 
remain undisturbed, as the filth emptied into the creek 
made the water absolutely unfit for any purpose what- 
ever. An attempt svas subsequently made to remedy 
this ©vil by sinking wells. These undertakings met with 



A PKISONER OF WAR. 85 

but partial success. Few implements were allowed the 
men, for fear they might be applied to other purposes, 
such as '' digging out." However, about six or eight 
wells were sunk, though tlie result was little for the 
general good, as they furnished but a scant supply of 
water, and were owned and guarded by the squads that 
dug them. 

With the exception of the first three thousand prison- 
ers sent in — and unfortunately we were not of that num- 
ber — no shelter was provided for the occupants of the 
stockade. When we first arrived, some leniency w^as 
granted, giving us opportunities, though accompanied 
by a strong guard, to leave the inclosme, to gather 
wood, brusli, and leaves, in an adjacent wood. Out of 
the material thus accumulated, a few of us w^ere enabled 
to construct huts and hovels, which, in a measure, siiel- 
tered us from the sun, and heavy niglit-dews, for which 
the climate is remarkable. Against the rain, however, 
our accommodations were less comforting^. 

There w^as some show of a plan in the laying out of 
the camp, but nothing further. Every thing else was of 
the meanest and most primitive character, 

8 



86 NINETEEN MONTHS 



CHAPTER XIV. 

Going Back to the Old Treatment— The Expedients for Shelter — Ea- 
tions — Withholding Eations as a Punishment — Cooking in Prison. 

It was evident, when our party first arrived at Camp 
Sumter, that some efibrt was to be made to practise a 
little more leniency. The new order of things, however, 
w^orked but a very short time. 

As the number of* prisoners increased, the conduct of 
the camp officers and guards reverted to the old rule of 
things. They made a trifling exception in the cases of a 
few higher commissioned officers of white regiments, but 
all others, officers and privates, white, black, and mulat- 
to, were thrust into the inclosure to shift for themselves. 
Two months after my arrival at the camp the crowd of 
prisoners became so great, and the tyranny of the guard, 
so uncompromising, that the gates of the stockade were 
even closed against any one leaving under guard even for 
wood to build a shelter. The substitutes which were 
now made to take the place of wooden huts gave the 
camp the poverty-stricken and squalid appearance of 
Belle Island. The new men, too, when brought in, as in 
every other instance, under my observation, were de- 
prived of blankets and. almosi every thing, except the 
clothes which they had upon their backs, and which 
w^ere rebel uniforms, ragged and dirty, exchanged for 
their own. These the men were frequently obliged to 
tear up to protect themselves from the weather, sunshine 
or rain, while others burrowed into the earth. 



A PRISONER OF WAR. 87 

Indeed the expedients of the men on the subject ol 
shelter were rather novel and various. At one place 
micrht be seen one of the United States shelter tents, set- 
tino* at nau2:ht the rao:ino^ of the elements ; next a brush 
shanty, hot, dirty, and damp, partially tempering the 
sun's rays, but not by any means water-proof during a 
rain. At another place, while walking off the main 
avenues and alleys of the camp, a person frequently 
stepped upon something which instantly moved, and 
from beneath a voice would be heard, in emphatic terms, 
'' Get to hell off my Shebang." Upon examination, it 
would be found that the speaker was none other than 
a soldier lying at full length in a cave, into which he 
entered horizontally, and feet foremost, his head resting 
in the entrance. At another place, a prisoner, changing 
his positior continually, would be found reclining be- 
neath the shadow of a pair of pants, or an old coat 
spread out aftfer the fashion of an awning. 

The ordinary ration, I mean in quantity, at Sumter I 
found a few days after my arrival was materially larger 
than was issued at Belle Island, though still insufficient 
to keep a man in health. It consisted, in general terms, 
of one-eighth of a pound of meat, and corn-bread enough 
to sustain life. In the place of corn-bread uncooked 
meal or mush was frequently issued. But both, as well 
as the corn-bread, was not fit for the stomach of a 
human being. In the North I had seen a better quality 
cast aside as unfit for a hog. The meal was unbolted, 
about one-third being made up of hulls and cobs.- 

The supply of rations, however, was irregular, and 
often withheld entirely for twelve to twenty-four hours, 
upon the slightest pretexts. If there was a prisoner 
unaccounted for, the whole camp was obliged to suffer. 



88 NINETEEN MONTHS 

One day a prisoner could not be found. As usual, tbe 
commandant of the camp refused to issue any rations 
that day unless the prisoner was found or accounted for. 
A searcli and inquiry were instantly made, and the niau 
was soon found laid out with a row of dead bodies 
awaiting burial. He had died but a few hours before. 

There was not the least apology for either the cliarac- 
ter or the quantity of the rations issued to the piisoners 
at Camp Sumter. The contiguous counti;j was fertile, 
and, judging from appeaiances, a fine crop was planted 
and harvested during the season of 1864; besides, for a 
circuit of several hundred miles no hostile or contending 
columns had ever penetrated. The camp-guards were 
well fed, fat, and hearty. It was not want or scarcity, 
but deliberate, vindictive, and uncompromising enmity. 
Whatever may have been the instructions to the officers 
in charge of the camp, whether they were to be rigid or 
lenient, one thing is certain, the first few weeks of our 
imprisonment at Sumter were tolerable, but in less than 
two months after, we were again subjected to all the 
cruelty endured at Belle Island. The conduct of the 
men was certainly not the cause, for during the few 
weeks of better treatment there never was knov\m the 
same class of men better beliaved and under better sub- 
ordination. But when inhumanity again commenced its 
terrible work, the men were driven to manv acts called 
mutiny, out of sheer despair. 

Our cooking conveniences were generally in keeping 
with the other arrangements of our prison life. There 
were a few^ but very few, who possessed kettles, either 
of tin or iron, but the utensil niainlv used was a flat 
board. On this the corn-meal, when not already made 
into bread, was prepared and baked. The meat always 



A PRISONER OF WAR. 89 

came cooked. Considering their situation, the men 
speedily brought the art of cooking, in their primitive 
way, to great perfection ; and invariably, when wood 
was abundant, their own cooking, in point of health, was 
infinitely preferable to the prepared food issued by the 
commissary. 

8* 



90 NINETEEN MONTH3 



CHAPTER XY. 

The Arrival of the Summer Season — The CrovTded Condition of the 
Camp — Appearance of Slimmer Diseases — Poisonous Odors — Im- 
mense Swarms of Flies. 

DuEiXG the first few months at Camp Sumter exist- 
ence was endurable, but the approach of the hot 
season, coupled with the increase of numbers and de- 
crease of diet, gradually brought about a degree of suf- 
fering to which it would be difficult, at least in my expe- 
rience, to find any thing superior or even equal. At 
Belle Island we underwent all the bodlv discomforts 
and miseries which could spring out of exposure to 
cold : now we were obliged to battle against the oppres- 
sive heat. 

Summer in Southwestern Georgia is every thing that 
can possibly be involved under that name. The morn- 
ings are heavy, sultry, and full of miasmatic poisons ; at 
meridian the sun pours down with a temperature ready 
to scorch man or beast to the crisp ; the evenings are 
close, and the nights cold and damp. If this, under the 
most favorable of unfavorable circumstances, was not 
sufficient to j)i'oduce the most complicated set of dis* 
eases, the case of Camp Sumter, during the summer of 
1864, certainly did not prove the contrary. 

Towards the middle of July our numbers swelled, it 
seemed, to about twenty thousand men, who were 
brought in from all parts of the theatre of war. If we 
had to believe the extravagant stories of the rebel 



A PEISONER OF WAR. 91 

guards, we would long have given up the cause of the 
Union as hopeless. 

Every time a batch of prisoners were added to the 
camp, the guards fabricated a wonderful narrative suited 
to the occasion. But whatever they said, for very ex- 
cellent reasons, we disbelieved, and particularly after the 
new prisoners themselves confirmed our views, greatly to 
the discredit of rebel veracity. 

Any one who can imagine twenty thousand men con- 
fined to a space of twenty acres, in the midst of summer, 
without shelter, and with rations barely sufficient to 
allay the pains of hunger, can form some idea of our 
situation. Midsummer in Southern Georgia, under any 
circumstances, is simply terrible ; but now, infinitely worse, 
the men were crowded together so as to admit of scarce- 
ly room for circulation. Xo accommodations for clean- 
liness were allowed. The result was vermin and disease. 
To successfully combat the former, in camp language, it 
was necessarv " to skirmish" two or three times a dav, 
in order to gain some respite from persecution. In re- 
gard to the latter, the men were at the mercy of their 
own constitutions. Not even soap was allowed, with 
which to wash ; and we were obliged to use sand, the 
abrasion of which partially supplied its place. 
. A crowded camj), excessive heat, and scarcity of food, 
were in themselves sufficient, it seemed, to consummate 
our trials. But no ; the camp atmosphere was alone 
more fatal than all the rest put together. It will be re- 
membered, as already mentioned, in the midst of the 
camp was a swamp, which Avas used for every purpose 
of washing and a sink. The hot sun had developed all 
its j)estiferous poisons, and the foul effluvia which arose 
bence was terrible. It would be absolutely impossible to 



93 NINETEEN MONTHS 

convey a better idea of the stench, than merely to state 
that even we, who had been trained to all sorts of nox- 
ious odors could not endure it, and were obliged often 
to crowd to the windward, or find some distant part of 
the camp and lie down, nose to the ground. Myriads of 
flies, and every kind of insect, attracted by the numer- 
ous impurities of the camp, visited us in clouds. It 
seemed like a plague. The aggregations of these little 
insects was so great, that the hum of their innumerable 
wings could be heard resembling the sound of an ap- 
proaching wind. Though troublesome, these very flies 
so often bitterly condemned, were unquestionably the 
great sanitary agencies at work, to lessen, in a measure, 
the dreadful havoc of death amongst us. 



A PRISONER OF WAR, 93 



CHAPTER XVI, 

Sickness and Mortality— The Nature of the Diseases— Their improper 
Treatment— Hospitals— The Immense Mortality— Vaociuation and 
its melancholy Effects. 

The very natural result of the camp atmosphere, and 
our exposure at Sumter, was a wide-spread and alarming 
sickness and mortality. The most fatal of the diseases 
to which we were subject were scurvy and diarrhea, 
though every other possible form of bodily complaints 
were perfectly familiar to us, and the victims were at the 
mercy of capricious chance, as proper medical treatment 
was enth'ely out of the question. 

The hospitals of the camp were rude, without venti- 
lation and suppKes, and presided over by a more ignorant 
and vain class than were found at Richmond. Infinitely 
the best class were the hospital stewards, who were detailed 
prisoners. They did all in their power to lessen the suf- 
ferings of the sick committed to their charge, but they 
could do nothing without means, and to complain would 
result in an order to return to camp. They were thus 
obliged to look on, and see their comrades carried away, 
without beino' able to lift a finorer to save them. 

The prisoners' hospitals were composed of a limited 
n-umber of very small " wedge" tents, battered and torn, 
and during a rain no protection whatever to the inmates. 
In each of these tents from four to six sick, depending 
on the nature of the disease, were confined. In our own 
service, five healthy men to an ordinary " wedge" tent 



94 NINETEEN mo:nths 

for privates is considered a large number ; what then, can 
it be imagined, must have been the condition of the sick 
prisoner, breathing day and night the impure and poison- 
ous exhalations not only of himself, but of four or five 
others ? Few ever entered the liospital to return ; and 
when a sick man was seen being borne thence on a 
stretcher, every one thought to himself his next step 
will be the grave. 

• The mortality consequent upon our treatment, well or 
sick, was more than alarming. Even as early as the lat- 
ter part of May, while our treatment was the best we 
had ever received in a rebel piison, and before there 
were four thousand congregated, I often saw within the 
stockade, awaiting transportation to the dead-house, as 
many as forty corpses placed in a row, showing the pro- 
ceeds of death's work the day before. What made the 
scene still more appalling was the fact that no epidemic 
or contagion raged in camp. A few cases of small-pox 
broke out during the spring, but were carried to a. dis- 
tant point outside the stockade, and treated separately. 

The men soon became so hardened to these constant 
and multiplying scenes of death, that the removal of a 
corpse from the camp was made the subject of no more 
feeling consideration than the remark : " Well, whose 
turn will be next ?" 

As the number of prisoners increased, so did the num- 
ber of sick ; and for want of room the hospitals were 
removed without the stockade. We were now able only 
to judge of the deaths in camp. These were numer- 
ous. What they numbered in hospital must now have 
greatly exceeded the highest number ever attained. Out 
of thirty of my personal acquaintances sent to the hos- 
pital but one returned, and the rest I have never heard 



A PRISONER OF WAE. 



95 



of. In April, 1864, our squad numbered ninety persons; 
in July, the whole number alive was twenty. 

From a very trustworthy source I learned, that by 
the expiration of two months, after Camp Sumter was 
established, one thousand Union soldiers had died, and 
this out. of less than four thousand, the aggregate num- 
ber then in the camp. In July following the mortality 
was at its heioht, rano^ino; from one hundred to one hun- 
dred and fifty deaths daily. I had witnessed death and 
suffering in all shapes on the battle-field, but this was 
nothing: to the sickening: sensation of death from the 
terrible agency of disease. 

On a scorching day in July, while standing on a 
knoll within the camp, and looking over and beyond the 
stockade, the dead could be seen carried away in wagons, 
and piled fifteen and twenty, one upon the other. Judg- 
ing from this, it is not difficult to form some idea of the 
rudeness of their interment. 

The hospital soon became a word which involved all 
that was horrible, until the men feared to be sent there. 
The result was, hundreds suffering from the severest 
types of disease determined rather to rim the chances 
of recovery without medical treatment. It was no un- 
common thing: in the morning: to find, scattered throug:h 
the camp, the dead bodies of men who had thus died, 
the victims of brutality on the one hand, and fear on the 
other. 

In spring, as already mentioned, the small-pox made 
its appearance in camp, and orders were given to have 
all the prisoners vaccinated. Very few fortunately sub- 
mitted to the precaution, preferring to run the risks of 
escaping rather than be contaminated with all sorts of 
constitutional impurities. Many of the men who ac- 



Q6 NINETEEN MONTHS 

ceded to the orders, in a few weeks after found their 
arms swollen and sore. Instead of healthy indications 
of the taking of the scab, they found mahgnant chancres, 
which devoured their flesh to the very bone ; and run- 
ning sores broke out all over their bodies, and in a few 
months the patients were loathsome victims of scrofala, 
syphiHs, and other taints. The sufferings presented by 
these unfortunate men were pitiable in the extreme. 
They prowled about the camp, shunned by everybody. 
They were seen for a few months, daily giving evidences 
of the literal eating away of their very lives, until 
death, which must have long been a wished-for termina- 
tion to their misery, overtook them. The treatment of 
such diseases at the best is no easy task, but to watch 
them day by day, taking full course, Avithout the least 
effort or ability to check them, was a phase of suffering 
a fit climax to the horror and wretchedness every day 
witnessed in Camp Sumter. 



.'4 



A FEISONEE OF WAE. 9^ 



CHAPTER XVII. 

The Consuraraation of Suffering — Despair and Insanity — The Conver- 
sation of One of the Victims — Moon-blind — Its Effects. 

The height to which the safferinor of the prisoners 
attained, before I was transferred from Sumter, resulted 
in the most heart-rendinoj derangjement of the mental 
faculties of large numbers. The men of this unfortunate 
class were the objects of the most unparalleled misery. 
Their disturbed minds wandered in the midst of scenes 
connected with the wretched past, and those who had 
strength were running madly through the camp, asking 
every one to shoot them, and then standing back, laugh- 
ing madly, and exclaiming, '• It is too good." Others, in 
a state of complete nudity, strolled about, their bodies 
nothing but skin and bone, and covered with immense 
sun-blisters and vermin. Others could be seen crawling 
about in the filth, and asking the guard to shoot. 

The spectacle presented by these men has probably 
seldom had its counterpart anywhere in the history of 
persecutions. But nothing in the shape of human suffer 
ing was remarkable or extraordinary to us, but all was 
considered a natural part in the gross outrages against 
nature and humanity perpetrated by the execrable lead- 
ers of the rebellion against the helpless victims at their 
mercy. 

One day while washing a coat in the camp-ditch, a 
prisoner came up to me and opened a conversation. His 

9 



98 NINETEEN MONTHS 

eyes glared with delirium or insanity. His voice had 
much of death in it. He was a sad example of which 
there were too many at Sumter. I asked no questions, 
but rather chose to hear than speak. The whole drift of 
his words was that of the deepest despair. He spoke 
quickly and mechanically ; his reason at intervals would 
indeed seem to flash a little light, but in an instant all 
was again madness. His words, which I could but occa- 
sionally understand, were to the effect that his life had 
long been a burden ; that he saw no end of his misery ; 
that he had borne up as long as possible, and that the 
onlv obstacle to his takino^ his own life was the thouo^ht, 
whenever he had made up his mind, of a widowed 
mother and sisters. A recollection of them seemed to 
intervene and check the last act of desperation. I gave 
him w^hat encouragement I could, but encouragement in 
such a place was poor consolation — a set of empty words, 
idle fancies. He walked off. Less than fifteen minutes 
after, I saw him crawl under the guard-line, and dare the 
guard to shoot him. Several of his companions laid hold 
of him, overstepping the fatal bounds at the peril of 
their own lives, beg^oino' the sentinel " not to shoot a 
crazy man," and dragged him by force back within the 
limits of the camp.. 

I mention this as but a single instance of this terrible 
affliction ; there were hundreds who suffered in diflerent 
deo'rees. Their roaming thoughts were continually run- 
ning upon scenes of woe, which their tongues were me- 
chanically and constantly narrating. They threatened 
suicide, or begged the guards to shoot them. During a 
sane moment they would talk of home, from which they 
would soon wander, and talk about some horrible deed 
or tale of woe which their invention would suggest. In 



A PPvTSOXER OF TVAE. - 99 

time these cases became worse ; and unless checked by 
some treatment or rather care, however rude, the suffer- 
ers were a source of danger and disturbance by their 
wild behavior. When their condition reached this 
extremity, these unfortunate men usually mysteriously 
disappeared from camp, and nothing more was heard of 
them. 

There was another calamity which afflicted many, and 
when subject to the disease, were called by the prisoners 
*' moon-blind." This v>^as from the fact that the men 
affected lost the power of sight, and were unable to dis- 
tinguish objects except by fires. Xo medical treatment 
was known by the camp physicians for this malady. 
The sufferers were permitted to move about at night, 
stumbling and bruised by coming violently in contact 
with some unseen object. 

It would be impossible to give an adequate idea of the 
depth and variety of suffering which was endured at 
Camp Sumter during the nearly five months that I was 
confined there. There were deaths in fearful numbers ; 
disease in every conceivable form, and derano^ement 
which was a kind of half-way step between life and 
death. If the history of Camp Sumter contained only 
acts of deliberate inhumanity recorded against the rebel 
government, an eternity of repentance would never 
wipe out the infamy, but to remember that it was but a 
single example, will make the rebeUion of the South, if 
for no other reason, the execration of all time. 



100 NINETEEN MONTHS 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

plans of Escape — " Chickamauga" — He serves the Eebels as a Spy — 
The Death of Chickamaiiga — " Mugging the Guard" — A grand Con- 
spiracy — Eight Thousand Prisoners to Revolt — Discovery of the Plot 
— Punishment of the "Traitor" — Efforts to Escape by feigning 
Death. 

As the only relief from their wretchedness, the m-inds 
of the most desperate turned to schemes of escape. Tun- 
nelling, strategem in passing the gate, organizations to 
assault the stockade, to overpower the guard and cap- 
ture the artillery, were all jDlanned but never carried out. 
As at Belle Island, the camp w^as full of rebel spies, who 
reported to the guards all understandings among the 
men looking to revolt, and all our movements Avere 
closely watched and guarded. One of these fellows, a 
Union soldier nicknamed '' Chickamauga," having lost a 
leg in that battle, was detected giving the guards 
information concerning the designs of the prisoners. 
This ingrate w^as always treated wdth the greatest kind- 
ness and care by the men, and when discovered felt his 
humiliation and disgrace so deeply that he tempted the 
guard several times to shoot him. The prisoners up- 
braided him for his treachery, and tormented him so 
continually that one day he again crept under the 
''dead-line." The guard, pitying his miserable condi- 
tion, held his tire, calling to a prisoner to draw him 
back. " Chickamauga" resisted, falling upon the 
ground, and using all sorts of language to the guard, 



A pkisonp:r of war. 101 

calling him a coward, and afraid to shoot. Several 
prisoners, who sympathized with the man for his well- 
known bravery in a number of battles, endeavored to 
induce him to desist from his desperate intention, to re- 
turn to his comrades, and strive to do better, promising 
forgiveness. But he would not listen. His recklessness 
and insults went too far. The guard near by brought 
lip his piece and fired. A bullet through the head 
instantly finished the miserable man's career. The 
prisoners who . witnessed the act turned away • from 
another scene of wanton bloodshed Vvithout saying a 
word. 1^0 one wished the unfortunate man to be shot, 
though his crime was not too good for such an end. 
The guard, however, laughed, after the act w^as done, 

saying, " Well, there's another d d Yankee done for." 

In the beginning, efibrts to escape were frequently 
made by small parties. I remember an instance w^hich 
occurred in April, 1864. A guard was sent with three 
prisoners for wood. The party left early in the after- 
noon. Several hours on such an errand was generally 
considered over the time. Night came, but no pris- 
oners and no guard returned. The next day, how- 
ever, the guard made his appearance, but came 
alone. When questioned, he told the story of his 
adventures i-ather excitedly. It seems the "Yanks" in- 
duced him to escort them more than the usual distance 
from camp, by the promise of a few brass buttons. As 
soon as the prisoners got him j^retty well out of hearing, 
and in a remote, secluded spot, they disarmed him, and 
marched him about fifteen miles. Here one of tlie party 
obliged him to swap clothes, and then bound him se- 
curely to a tree. The three prisoners, leaving the guard 
to be extricated from his predicament by some passers* 

9* 



102 NINETEEN MONTHS 

by, started for the Union lines. The guard stated that 
he remained tied until morning, when, in the midst of 
his yelling, somebody rode up to inquire his trouble. 
When he told his story he was released, and hastened 
back to camp. This operation was knowm in camp as 
" mugging the guard." It was frequently practised, but 
seldom the prisoners succeeded in getting off. Two 
days after the guard had returned, the three prisoners 
Avere brought in, having been arrested and secured by 
citizens. 

Soon after this occurrence, myself and several others 
attempted to escape by the tunnelling process, and suc- 
ceeded in burrowing thirty feet ; but the sandy nature 
of the soil defeated our undertaking, when on the eve of 
completion, by caving in and attracting the attention of 
the guard. 

One object in removing tlie prison-camp to such a re- 
mote region was, undoubtedly, to put an end to the fair 
chances of reaching our lines, as when prisoners were 
kept further north. I found, even when one or more 
succeeded in getting a good start on their way 
to freedom, they were overtaken by means of blood- 
hounds, which w^ere able to scent a man two days after 
he left the camp, and followed until the fugitive was 
overtaken, and held at bay until their masters rode up 
and secured him. The killins: of the dog-s seldom bet- 
tered the escaped man's fortunes, as the attention drawn 
towards his escape, by the pursuit, by means of hounds, 
set the inhabitants on the alert, and at the first place he 
stopped for food lie was invariably picked up, and sent 
back to camp. What little service came from the 
negroes was always for the benefit of the fugitive ; they 
satisfied all his wants, and gave him directions about the 



A PRISONER OF WAR. 103 

woods. But fear of their masters made them reserved 
and cautious, their timidity and caution being frequently 
the cause of the exposure of the fugitive. 

All recaptured prisoners, on being brought back to 
camp, were immediately chained and balled, — some by 
means of balls attached to their ankles, and others by 
the same fastened to the neck. A more scientific mode 
of this kind of punishment was adopted, by fastening by 
the necks of three or four prisoners, sometimes a dozen, 
standing in a row, with a twenty-four-pounder shot at- 
tached to the ankle of each, and sixty-four-pounder fast- 
ened to the chains around the neck, so as to oblige each 
victim to bear an equal share of its vreight. In the early 
part of July, 1864, with twelve others I effected my es- 
cape from the stockade, through the cook-house. We 
were out several days, but one by one were retaken and 
brought back. As each came in, he was fastened by 
the chain to the one who was brought in immediately 
before him, until we were all ironed together, neck and 
hands, with a twenty-four pounder shot attached to the 
right leg of each. The latter we were forced to wear 
for several months. From the effect of the cruelties 
practised upon prisoners after recapture many died, and 
numbers with the irons on them. There were almost 
continually about one hundred prisoners ironed, for th^ 
single offence of an attempt to escape. 

A gigantic conspiracy, in which no less than ten 
thousand men were engaged, was arranged in June, 
shortly before my departure for Charleston, numbering 
in its accomplishment the active participation of eight 
thousand men. This force was organized into companies 
and battalions, and the appropriate ofiicers assigned to 
each. Six tunnels were dug, and a day appointed. 



104 ninetee:n months 

Every thing was ready to be carried out, when rein- 
forcements arrived, and otlier measures taken to defeat 
our purpose, and let it be known that we were discov- 
ered. The plan failed as usual, through information 
given the autliorities by spies among our own number. 

The first decided intimation we had that we were dis- 
covered was the appearance of the post-quartermaster 
within the stockade, accompanied by a guard and a body 
of negroes, equipped with spades and shovels. The offi- 
cial's knowledge of the tunnels which he had come to 
destroy was so accurate, that he went directly to tliem, 
and set the negroes to work upon their demolition. 

Measures were at once set on foot to brinor the in- 
formant to justice. Several weeks had passed, and the 
task was about to be given up, when the villain was de- 
tected. He was accused, and, after a close examination, 
admitted that he did it for a plug of tobacco. He also 
accused other persons, who, upon subsequent examination, 
were found innocent. 

It was now resolved to make a good example of the 
guilty man. One side of his head was shaven to the 
skull. He was then forced to lie upon his back, and 
held down, wliile an old man-of-war's man pricked upon 
his forehead the letter T, to mark through life his in- 
famy as a traitor. The culprit was then obliged to run 
the gauntlet from one end of the stockade to the other, 
between two lines of about eight thousand prisoners, 
who groaned and hissed him as he passed. The culprit, 
having passed through his humiliation, hid liimself in an 
obscure corner, and was so disheartened, that he proba- 
bly would have died there, if the officer of the day, with 
a guard, had not removed him several days after from 
the stockade. 



A PEISOXEE OF WAR. , 105 

A novel method of escape was successfully practised 
for some time, by feigning to be dead, and being borne 
out by men at the hospitals who were favorable to the 
interests of the jDrisoners. The bodies Avere placed with 
the dead in the dead-house, whence they took their de- 
parture after dark. At least fifty men were unaccounted 
for at the expiration of several weeks. This large deficit 
in liis rolls, and the number of men on hand, started the 
captain of the guard to a diligent search by means of his 
spies. After several days, the method of escape was dis- 
covered. A guard was immediately placed around the 
"dead-house." The same nio^ht two of the dead sud- 
denly resuscitated, and were making their way out 
when they were picked up, much to their own as- 
tonishment, and sent to camp, where they were safely 
secured by the bail and irons. 

4 



106 HINETBEN MONTHS 



CHAPTER XIX. 

Traitors in Gamp— Their Punishment — Tempting Prisoners from 
tlieir Allegiance — Discovery of a guilty Shoemaker — Meting out 
Justice. 

Notwithstanding their sufferings and humiliation, 
the men, as a general rule, were true to the loyalty 
which had moved them to fight. In my own experience, 
up to my departure from Sumter, I had known but about 
one hundred, who so far forgot their duty to the national 
Government as to swear allegiance to the rebellion. 
Twenty-eight of this number were the renegade cob- 
blers of Belle Island. How many men were secretly 
inimical, from various causes, it would be impossible to 
tell. That there were spies in our midst was, in several 
instances, shown by the detection of the despicable 
scoundrels giving information. Our plans of liberation 
set at naught by timely precaution, just as they were to 
be carried into effect, was very sure evidence that the 
rebel authorities were kept advised by somebody. 
Whether these persons were of their own number, aping 
the holy martyrdom of the prisoners, or whether a pris- 
oner alleviating his own sufferings at the expense of his 
comrades, was always an unsolved question, except in 
the several instances where the criminal w^as discov- 
ered. 

The manner of treating those detected in their infa- 
mous treachery was summary and deserving. It several 



A PRISONER OF WAR. 10 T 

times occurred, as already mentioned, that the guilty 
parties, out of a sense of shame, hid themselves, or 
tempted the guard to shoot them, in which latter 
extremity they were too often readily gratified, and 
released alike from their degradation and their misery. 
There were others whose depravity and lack of con- 
science thought lightly of their crime. These were, 
therefore, brought to justice by the unrelenting hand 
of those who suffered by their evil doings. 

The mildest form of punishment, as far as bodily com- 
fort was concerned, was the scorn and reproach of their 
comrades. This, however, applied only to those sensi- 
ble of such treatment. Another, and more violent and 
offensive method, was to pitch the culprit into the filthi- 
est quarter of the camp sink, and keep him there until 
well saturated with the foul matter and powerful odors, 
when he was permitted to come out ; after which the 
crowd at once proceeded to kick and cuff* him out of 
the stockade. Tonsorial operations were much in vogue, 
as a mild punishment of traitors and scoundrels general- 
ly, one half of the head being shaved from the front to 
the back of the neck, after which the delinquent was 
escorted through the camp by a noisy crowd, and 
laughed at by everybody. 

A fellow named Wilham Carrin, of a Massachusetts 
regiment, was discovered one day making the rounds of 
the camp, inducing men who were shoemakers to desert 
and join the Confederacy. They were to follow their 
trade, for which they were to be well paid. Among the 
arguments used to convince the men were such as had 
a powerful influence upon the w^eak-minded. For 
instance, he told them there would be no more ex- 
changes or paroles during the war ; that the black tiag 



108 NINETEEN MONTHS 

had been raised, and the two armies were slang:hterino: 
each other promiscuously. He would also urge the 
point of personal comfort, stating that they would Iiave 
excellent quaiters, their food and clothing would be of 
the best, and their wages enormous. The renegade liad 
himself taken the oath to the rebel government, and had 
been working for them for a long time. Fortunately 
the cobblers of Camp Sumter were not to be so easily 
deceived. One of those tempted exposed the errant 
shoemaker, who was at once brought before a committee 
called on the spot. After a clear analysis of his crime, 
he was forced to acknowledge his guilt. His person 
was searched, and papers found placing his olFence 
beyond all question. He was sentenced to have his 
head shaved. The sentence was summarily carried out. 
He also took an oath not to aid the enemy any more, 
and that he would remain within the stockade. The 
same day he broke his oath, and informed the com- 
mandant of his treatment. The rations were at once 
withheld until the principals in the aflair were discov- 
ered. The three persons most active in the affair at 
once stepped forward. Of this party, I was one, Peter 
Donnelly, of the Excelsior brigade, another, and the 
name of the third I have forgotten. The camp com- 
mandant gave vent to his rage in a few oaths, and then 
dismissed the matter, much to our surprise, as we ex- 
pected, at least, some more effective and durable mani- 
festation of his ire. 



A PEISONEE OF WAE. 10^ 



CHAPTER XX. 

A-inusements Tvithin the Stockade — Establishment of the Markets — 
Scene on Market-street — Competition in Business — The Effects of the 
Markets upon those who could enjoy them. 

As at Belle Island, those of the prisoners who had 
strength enough to partake in amusements to wile away 
the dull and monotonous hours of prison life, devised 
various means for their sport. These amusements al- 
ways formed a sad counterpart of the experience of 
those unfortunate men, prostrate by sickness and dis- 
ease. But men bound only by the common impulse of 
a common cause, suddenly thrown together by some mis- 
fortune, soon lose the warm feelings at first engendered 
between them under happier circimistances. The more 
they suffer, the wider the breach that divides them, 
until misery makes each man nothing more ^than a mere 
animal, struggling for self-existence, regardless of the 
wishes and efforts of every one around him. 

The source of a great deal of interest and excitement 
at Sumter, to those who could enjoy them, were the 
markets. They were originated by a few of the prison- 
ers incUned to speculations, who had a little surplus 
meal, and baked it into slap-jacks and biscuits. These 
they would offer for sale. Those who had money, and 
having as well a taste for this agreeable transformation 
of ground corn, purchased liberally. Soon after the 
markets were established, trade received a powerful im- 
petus by the arrival of a large number of prisoners cap* 
• 10 



110 NINETEEN MONTHS 

tured at Plymouth, North Carolina. By a remarkable 
exhibition of generosity on the part of the enemy, the 
prisoners were permitted to retain their money and 
clothing. After these persons arrived, the money they 
brought with them was soon put into circulation through 
the camp. The enterprising speculators reaped largely 
the benefits, and at once extended the scale of their 
operations. They purchased at wholesale, from the guard, 
a number of articles not recognized in a prisoner's 
rations. The rebel authorities seeing their opportunity, 
established a sutler at the post, and allowed him such 
privileges as enabled him to do a lucrative business. He 
was also eyen permitted to bring his produce and goods 
within the stockade. Capitalists purchased of him in 
quantities, and then retailed in suitable amounts to the 
men. Frequently a number of prisoners, allowed to go 
outside with working parties, bought from the farmers 
in the neighborhood. This resulted in a competition of 
prices, as the latter were able to sell at a much lower 
rate than the sutler. 

By the time I was transferred from Camp Sumter, 
Market-street had grown into a business mart of con- 
siderable respectability. Booths and tables were erected, 
and a display of eatables spread out quite flattering to 
the fertility of Southwestern Georgia. The only obsta- 
cle in the way of unlimited operations was the exceed- 
ingly limited supply of '' legal tenders." Even to those 
however who had no funds, the markets were a source of 
benefit, in the amusement they afforded, and the relief of 
the mind from the wearying sameness of our every-day 
life. 

There were several other methods of occupying time 
among the well, when the camp was first organized, but 



A PKISOXER OF WAR. Ill 

these gradually wore out, until there was nothing left 
but ennid^ and a restless craving for freedom. The 
opening, or rather toleration of the markets, by the 
rebel officials, I found one of the most fortunate events 
in the history of the camp. Though there was no ap- 
parent diminution in the fearful mortality which carried 
olf scores every day, those whose constitutions and phy- 
sical strength were superior to the horrors and wretched- 
ness of our situation, were occupied by the new source 
'of entertainment allowed. I have not the least doubt, 
that among those iron men who successfully bore up 
under all their sufferings, that is, kept their feet, the 
sickness was very materially lessened by the excitement 
and occupation of the thoughts upon matters enlivening 
and calculated to dispel despair. 



112 NINETEEN MONTHS 



CHAPTER XXI. 

Eaiding at Camp Sumter— Detection of a Number of *' Raiders" — Tlieir 
Trial— Sentenced 
extreme Measures. 



Trial— Sentenced to be hanged — Their Execution — The Effect of 



The system of '' raiding," whicli was carried on with 
so much annoyance at Belle Island, was practised, with 
even greater industry, at Camp Sumter. The class of 
A^agabonds who thus indulged their thieving propensi 
ties, spent their nights in prowling through the camps, 
carrying off every thing they could lay their hands 
upon. 

The sick and helpless were particularly annoyed by 
their depredations, but every one suffered more or less. 
It was impossible to possess any thing, unless it was 
closely watched. While one man was absent, it became 
necessary for a comrade to remain as a sort of guard to 
the property. At length the evil became so great that 
it was determined to set a terrible example. 

Quietly, one afternoon, a small number of the prison- 
ers held a secret meeting to consider the nuisance and 
adopt measures to stop it. After exchanging views 
upon the subject, it w^as determined to organize a small 
and rehable detective force, to keep w^atch and draw 
out any suspected parties, in hopes of discovering the 
ringleaders. 

The same night the detectives commenced their duty. 
A close surveillance was kept upon different parts of the 



A PRISONER OF WAR. 113 

camp, but morning came without making any discover- 
ies. The following day was passed in mixing with sev- 
eral suspected parties, but without avail. The second 
night met with the same results. It was now supposed 
that the raiders had got wind of the efforts to find them 
out, and they had taken the wise precaution of desisting, 
at least temporarily, from their labors. During the 
same day, however, a blanket was missing from a poor 
fellow who was dying from the effects of chronic diar- 
rhoea. The "detectives" immediately started in quest 
of the "raider." After an hour's dilis^ent search he was 
discovered, and drawn from his hiding-place, not only 
with the article last stolen, but numerous other evidences 
of his guilt, and which were at once claimed by their 
owners. 

A preliminary examination drew from the arrested 
man an acknowledgment of his crime ; and at the same 
time the names of a number of others implicated in the 
same acts w^re elicited. The entire party was arrested, 
and a trial called. 

On the next morning the sergeants of the different 
messes w^ere assembled, and, out of this number, twelve 
were chosen to act as a jury. Several officers were 
brought down from Macon to witness the trial. Those 
of the sufferers by the depredations of the " raiders," 
who were able to attend, were summoned to appear as 
witnesses, and the accused were permitted to choose their 
own counsel and witnesses. Durins^ the excitement of 
the arrests a number of men were held for trial, but 
who, upon proving their innocence, were at once dis- 
charged. 

The trial of the "raiders" was conducted, with the 
Btrictest impartiality. After hearing all the evidence, 

10* 



114 NINETEEN MONTHS 

the respective cases were argued with considerable abili- 
ty. The verdict given, was for the leading " raiders" 
to be hanged by the neck until dead, and the remainder 
to suffer such other punishments as the extent of their 
crimes deserved. 

The following were the names of the men condemned 
to death : 

W-ilUam CoUins, alias Moseby, 88th Pennsylvania vol- 
unteers. 

Patrick Delany, 83d Pennsylvania volunteers. 

Andrew Meever, United States navy. 

Terrence Sullivan, 7 2d New York volunteers. 

John Sarsfield, 140th New York volunteers. 

Charles Curtis, 5th Rhode Island artillery. 

On Monday, July 11, 1864, a rude gallows was erect- 
ed by our own mien on a rising ground at the southwest- 
ern portion of the stockade. The gallows was a rude 
piece of workmanshiiD, built out of material which the 
rebel officials, but too willingly in this case, provided. It 
w^as composed of two heavy, forked logs, which were 
fixed perpendicularly in the earth, with a strong cross- 
beam resting in the forks at the top. A platform, about 
six feet from the ground, was built and supported upon 
props, which, at the final moment, were to be cut away, 
and the unfortunate men launched between heaven and 
earth. Six men from the camp were designated to 
adjust the ropes about the necks of the condemned, and 
a seventh detailed to execute the dropping of the plat- 
form. 

At five o'clock in the afternoon the southwestern gate 
was thrown open, and the prisoners were marched in, 
Tinder guard of rebel soldiers, commanded by Captain 
Wurtz, accompanied by the colonel commanding the 



A PRISONER OF WAR. , 115 

post. The solemn procession moved in front of the gal- 
lows, and halted. 

By this time several thousand prisoners had assembled 
to witness the execution. Many sympathized with the 
unfortunate situation of their comrades. But the crime 
of stealing from a fellow-prisoner was always regarded 
not only as the most unprincipled of acts, but also a 
matter in which every one who suffered was reduced 
from a state of deplorable misery to absolute deprivation 
of probably the last hold he had upon life. The crime 
was much aggravated by the depredations committed 
upon the helpless sick. In view of these facts, however 
benevolent or yielding the wishes of the fellow-prisoners 
of the condemned, all wished the sentence carried to the 
melancholy end, as a warning, in the future, to others 
disposed to the same practices. 

When the culprits were formed in line, the rebel cap- 
Jain stepped forward, and, as near as I could note them, 
after the affair was over, made the following remarks to 
those in charge of the execution : 

" Prisoners — I now hand over to you, in the same 
manner I received them, the men whom you have con- 
demned to death on the gallows." 

Then turning to the culprits, he said : 

" You have been arrested and condemned by your own 
comrades; I now turn you over to them, and leave them 
to carry out the sentence, or do as they may see fit." 

After this, the colonel, captain, and guards imme- 
diately left the inclosure. 

The condemned now received the consolations of reli- 
gion, administered by a Catholic priest, who was per- 
mitted by the rebel authorities to visit the stockade on 
different occasions. The priest accompanied the culprits 



116 NINETEEN- MONTHS 

to the foot of the gallows, and engaged in prayer. In 
the midst of these holy offices, Curtis took occasion to 
make an attempt at escape. He succeeded in breaking 
through the crowd, but was immediately pursued and re- 
turned. 

The prayer being finished, the six criminals, each ac- 
companied by the persons appointed to execute the sen- 
tence, stepped upon the platform. The criminals each 
said a few words, which were scarcely audible, proclaim- 
ino^ their innocence, and beorajnor for mercv. 

When they had concluded what they had to say, the 
ropes having been previously adjusted, a sack was drawn 
over their heads, and the six men who accompanied them 
descended. 

At a given signal the platform was cut away, and ^\q 
of the unfortunate men were struggling in mid-air. The 
rope, however, of the sixth broke, and the culprit fell to 
the earth. He begged piteously to be released, but his 
comrades were inexorable. Another rope was secured, 
and, when the ^\'q bodies were removed, he was hanged 
alone. 

The bodies of the six men were removed from the 
stockade, and buried in a separate part of the graveyard, 
distinct from those who died in camp. 

During the execution, I observed outside of the inclo- 
sure the whole of the rebel troops on duty, at Camp 
Sumter were drawn up facing the gallows. This was^ as 
I understood afterwards, a precautionary measure, sup- 
posing some treachery on the part of the prisoners. 

At first thought, the above action on the part of the 
prisoners appears an act of useless severity on the part of 
the comrades of the men so dishonorably and summarily 
deprived of life. But our after experience in the evil 



A PRISONER OF WAR. - 117 

which it was designed to correct, does not justify this 
opinion. The example of extreme punishment thus 
placed before the minds of others, of "raiding" pro- 
clivities, had a good result. It at once put a stop to this 
class of annoyance. During the remainder of the time 
I remained at Camp Sumter I did not hear of a single 
article being stolen, and the feelings- among all classes 
of prisoners were stronger and more sympathizing, to an 
extent surprising, as the very natural selfishness created 
in times of extreme suftering, and which, in our case at 
Sumter, never relaxed, now changed to a bond of closer 
union ; and k was not unusual to see men Avaiting upon 
each other, as kindly as though they had some important 
interest at stake. 



118 NINETEEN MONTHS 



CHAPTER XXII. 

♦ 

Removal to Macon — An agreeable Journey — Prison Life at Maoon — 
An extraordinary Privilege — Description of Macon — More Prisoners 
Arriving — Preparations for anotlier Transfer. 

In the beginning of August, 1864, with seventy other 
of&cers, I was transferred to Macon, Georgia. It was, 
at least, with some regret that I left the unhappy scenes 
and associations of Camp Sumter. During my stay 
there I had formed intimate and agreeable acquaint- 
ances, which I was not sure would be my fortune else- 
where. I expected little improvement in camp living, 
and even with this inducement would have foregone 
much for the sake of companions, with whom the tardy 
hours of imprisonment were always made light and full 
of life. 

On the day that I made my departure I met my 
friends to say a farewell. How solemn were these mo- 
ments ! How sadly against us were the chances of ever 
meeting again ! Consumed by the devouring terrors of 
the j)lace, some w^ere already one foot in the grave. I 
cheered them all, though I felt myself on the verge of 
giving up. When we parted there was no farewell 
smile, but a tear of mutual commiseration and prayers 
for strength to outlive our sad lot. 

It was known that the prisoners about leaving were 
to be confined at Macon ; still, with a faint expectation 
that some of us might be exchanged, our parting was 



A PRISONER OF TVAR. , 119 

also given to messages of love to the dear ones at home, 
— a single word to cheer them and keep alive their 
hope. 

We left Anderson by rail shortly after noon, and after 
a ride of four hours were landed at our destination. 

This brief journey was one of the most agreeable I 
had yet experienced in the South. Though the day was 
oppressively hot, the open fields and fresh air had a 
cooling refreshing effect upon nay feverish blood. I 
often wished, on the way, that a few hours of such a 
change could be, or rather would be, given the wretched 
inmates of Sumter. With all their deplorable wretched- 
ness from hunger and disease, and the vitiated atmos- 
phere of camp, in the pure air alone of the open country 
there was an invisforation which would have made their 

CD 

hearts leap with renewed strength, and a new lease of 
life given them, where before they watched and watched 
and felt every day the inevitable drawing near of its 
expiration. 

When we arrived at Macon we were immediately 
confined in the ofiicer's prison. In fact none but ofiicers 
were permitted in the prisons at that place. 

As might naturally be expected, the treatment wliicli 
I received, in general with all others confined at Macon, 
was an improvement, though very little, on that endured 
by the wretched inmates of the stockade at Sumter. 
Our rations were a trifle better, and, what was ratlier 
novel to me, in quantity were sufiicient to sustain life. 
This state of affairs evinced a partiality which at once 
convinced me of the depravity of sentiment which con- 
trolled the rebel leaders in their conduct towards pris- 
oners. The almost powerless private was treated with a 
cruelty and rigor which ^vill make all history blush to 



120 NINETEEN MONTHS 

own such an unnecessary crime, while officers, who pos- 
sessed more influence and weight Vith the Government, 
were somewhat respected. If all had been treated alike 
the case^ would have been different ; but as it stands, 
there is plainly a fear standing out in the shameful 
policy of the South towards those whom the uncertain- 
ties of war had thrown into their power. The rank and 
file of our armies seemed to be persecuted, first from the 
impotent and inherent exasperation of the Southern 
leaders at the delay in the accomplishment of their aims 
of separate government; second, on account of the help- 
lessness of their victims; and, third, to render as many 
as possible unfit, for a long time to come, for the duties 
of the soldier. In the case of officers, I found the perse- 
cutions less, as their cases Avould be much more easily 
and directly brought to the attention of their Govern- 
ment. 

During my brief stay at Macon I enjoyed a privilege 
which was somewhat out of the role of my former expe- 
riences. By a remarkable act of kindness, on the part 
of one of the officers of the guard, I was permitted to 
spend a portion of an afternoon in perambulating the 
town, having, previous to my going, solemnly promised 
not to go beyond a certain limit, and to return at a cer- 
tain time. 

As I left the confinement of a prison, for thje first time 
in a year, and unembarrassed by a guard, I never felt 
such a weio^ht of sorrow removed as in the few hours of 
that pleasant afternoon. In fact so intense was the feel- 
ing of relief which I temporarily enjoyed, that, after my 
return, I could scarcely realize that I had been out at 
all ; yet my mind and whole body were pervaded by an 
indescribable sensation and satisfaction almost too great 



A PRISONER OF WAR. 121 

to have any other foundation than in a pleasing 
dream. 

My -walk was confined entirely to the limits of the 
heart of the town. I met some persons on the streets, 
but very few, as the day was yet warm, and all who 
were not absolutely called out remained in doors. Of 
the town, however, I could form some opinion. 

Macon, the county-seat of Bibb county, judging from 
the number of houses, had, before the war, a population 
of about four thousand souls. It is beautifully situated 
on the Avest bank of the Ocmulgee River, at the head of 
navigation, and at the intersection of the Macon and 
Western and Southwestern Railroads. From this fact 
the business of the place before the war was quite brisk, 
and since had greatly increased, particularly in the 
manufacturing interest, as much of the machinery of 
the insurgent party was set up here, as our armies ad- 
vanced. The convenience of communication to all 
parts of the South' made it an inviting centre for this 
purpose. 

The residences of the town are generally plain but 
comfortable. There were several churches and a num- 
ber of stores. The Wesleyan Female Institute, a place 
of some note in the South, was located here, and before 
the war was well attended from all parts of the Gulf 
States. Upon the general average, Macon, as far as my 
observation extended, was, and probably will be again, a 
towm considerably above the standard of small Southern 
towms. 

The batch of prisoners, in which I was transferred to 
Macon, was immediately followed by others. Every 
day there were fresh arrivals, until, at the expiration of 
five days, there were nearly six hundred congregated 

11 



122 lONETEEN MONTHS 

for some purpose, which we could not understand, 
though with the high expectations that we were to be 
immediately exchanged. With this thought were all 
correspondingly rejoiced. Nothing, however, was pub- 
lished on the subject until we were about to start. 



A. PRISONER OF WAR. 123 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

Off for Charleston— Entliiisiasm of the Prisoners— The Displeasure of 
the People — Under Fire— Xobodj Hurt— Eelieved— An Exchauge— 
Presents from Home. 

Just one week after I reached Macon I resumed my 
melancholy perigrinations in the direction of Charleston. 
As we were about to depart we were gratuitously 
informed that " the Yankee government" had placed a 
large number of " Confederate" prisoners under fire on 
Morris Island, and that the " Confederate" government 
intended to do the same. This, I have since learned, 
was their side of the story, whereas ours shows the act, 
on our part, a retaliation for the same, first done by the 
rebel authorities in Charleston, and that we were sent to 
the city as a retaliation for a retaliation. 

When we understood our destination, though it was 
not then known that the part of the national government 
was retaliatory, we all admitted it was for some wise 
purpose, and therefore submitted without saying a word. 
As we were obliged to be persecuted in some way, 
there was something extremely satisfying, indeed cheer- 
ing, in the fact that it was for the Government. This 
feeling prevailing over all, I never saw a more ready, 
willing, I had almost said happy set of men, than those 
chosen to submit to the fire of their own countrymen. 

As the train left Macon I witnessed and felt the fir^t 
enthusiasm since I was taken prisoner. The officers 



124 NINETEEN MONTHS 

cheered, as if they were going to battle for their flag, 
and sang the national songs as if their journey was 
nothing more tl^an a mere holiday excursion. What a 
contrast, I thought, with our departure from the horri- 
ble scenes and recollections of Belle Island, and the deep 
sympathy felt as many of us left the pestilence and woe 
of Camp Sumter. We now seemed to have lost all 
thought of the circumstances by which we were sur- 
rounded, and looked only to the supreme satisfaction of 
t)eing^ of service to our cause. 

The enthusiasm of the prisoners as they left was evi- 
dently displeasing to the guard, as well* as the people 
who had assembled about the train. A few women took 
occasion to exhibit their disapprobation, by twisting 
their mouths into all sorts of contortions, and at inter- 
vals displaying their tongues. A few old men also gave 

utterance to the requests, " Shut up your d d 

noise." " What are you howling at, you're all going to 
get killed by your own men," and the like. One pris- 
oner rather aptly replied, 

" Well, it's better to be killed by a ' Yankee' than a 
* rebel' " 

This was rather unpalatable to the person to whom it 
was addressed, as he was still of the ancient impression 
that one Southern man, particularly in the value of the 
earth of which he was made, was better than a dozen 
Yankees, and got out of hearing rather rapidly. 

Our route to Charleston lay over the same road we 
travelled when we were sent to Anderson, namely, by 
the w^ay of Millen, Augusta, Branchville, and thence to 
Charleston. 

At once upon our arrival at Charleston we were trans- 
ferred from the cars to the city jail-yard and work- 



A PRISONER OF WAR. , 125 

house. I had the honor of being one of the occupants 
of the former. 

A few days after it was announced by the rebel com- 
mander that he would proceed immediately to place us 
under fire. This piece of information was loudly 
applauded, greatly to the disgust of the informant 
We were now ordered to be in readiness to be moved.- 
His orders were obeyeff as promptly as they were mag- 
nificently o'iven, and in a few hours we found ourselves 
confined in the Marine and Rosser Hospitals, under fire 
of our long-range guns. 

There was something eminently pleasing in our situa- 
tion at that time. We could look out upon the bay, and 
in the dim distance see the vessels of our Government, 
proudly investinof and cuttinof off from the world the 
birthplace and cradle of treason. Occasionally the deep 
boom of a big gun from our batteries would be heard, 
almost speaking to us in familiar tones. We felt that 
the stars and stripes, which through the distance we 
could scarcely discern, were still there, moving over 
many stout hearts and willing hands in the service of 
the cause of rig^ht. 

I must say, I never passed so many happy moments of 
reflection as during my imprisonment under fire. Every- 
body indeed seemed fired with a pride at being again 
the victims of this new phase of Southern chivalry. 
Though our rations were scant, our bodies were strong. 
All seemed to be litted up, to live upon the thought of 
the sacrifices we were about to make for the govern- 
ment. But with all the efforts of the rebels to put us in 
exposed positions, not a single man was hurt by our 
shells. A fragment one day entered General Stone- 
man's room, but harmlessly lodged in the wall. There 

11* 



126 NINETEEN MONTHS 

were numerous other instances of this kind, but not a 
single person killed or even wounded, though the build- 
ings were well riddled. 

For six weeks we were under fire, when, very unex- 
pectedly, we were removed, and, much to our surprise, 
an exchange commenced almost immediately after. 
This was rather an incomprehensible piece of business, 
which was never explained ; suffice it that I was not one 
of the fortunate ones exchanged. 

Our prison-life at Charleston, in the way of comforts 
of food and clothing, was the same experienced every- 
where by officers. There was less imposition, as might 
be expected, from the authorities, than that universally 
experienced by the privates. There were little of the 
robberies and schemes of extorting money, already men- 
tioned as practised upon the soldier of the ranks. In- 
deed, in keeping with the general character of rebel 
officials in subordinate positions, they imposed only 
upon those whom they took to be their inferiors, though 
they were often much astonished to find even ''Yankee" 
privates too wise for them. 

During our stay at Charleston a number of boxes, 
containing various articles, arrived from the North. At 
first, to save the necessity and expense of a strong 
guard to watch us, the rebels took this means of 
endeavoring to extort a parole from the prisoners. We 
were up to the designs of this, and all peremptorily 
refused. For a short time the boxes were withheld 
from us, but the sense of shame was too deep for even a 
rebel official, and the most of the supplies were distrib- 
uted. 

When the boxes were received, and their contents 
well examined, there was a sense and universal expres- 



A PRISONER OF WAR. . 127 

Bion of gratification, which it would be impossible to 
convey in words. These evidences of the thoughtful- 
ness of the folks at home, were always deeply cherished, 
and were food for thought and conversation for weeks 
after. Even the rebels themselves could not withhold a 
look or a word of admiration of at least this one good 
side of a "Yankee" heart. 



128 NINETEEN MONTHS 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

Transferred to Columbia, S. C. — The Expressions of the People on the 
Way — General Grant's Combinations Beginning to Pinch. - 

In September, 1864, the squad of which I was a mem- 
ber, resumed its travels. Before we left, I discovered 
our destination was Columbia, the capital of South Caro- 
lina. The rebel authorities were' evidently of the opin- 
ion we were in favor of prison -life in Charleston, from 
the fact that we enjoyed accommodations vastly better 
than allowed to prisoners anywhere else in the South. 
It is true we were quite comfortably fixed in the way of 
sleeping conveniences, and it was with some disaiDproba- 
tion we heard the news of oiu- contemplated removal. 

Our journey to Columbia was performed by rail, 
again, in a series of dilapidated and antiquated box cars, 
considerably the worse for wear. The first stage of our 
travels was to Branch ville. At this point we were de- 
layed by trains passing North, until night, when we rode 
a few miles further to Orangeburg, and were obliged to 
wait for some wood to be chopped for the engine, and 
thence proceeded to Kingsville. It was morning when 
we reached the latter j^lace ; accordingly the train halted 
for several hours, to allow time for the distribution of 
rations. This very acceptable work accomplished, we 
pushed on about thirty miles further, when we entered 
Columbia. 



A PRISONER OF WAR. , 129 

During this trip we were subject to a more universal 
calling of hard names and epithets, than when I passed 
over the same road about seven months before. lac- 
counted for this in the fact, that Lieutenant-General 
Grant, who we knew had beeu assigned to the general 
command of all the armies of the United States, and 
was more than a match for Lee, was veiy closely pressing 
down upon the rebel cause and territory, gradually re- 
ducing it to a very small compass. We were not suffi- 
ciently well advised to form any very correct ideas of the 
situation, yet from the rebel papers, which ^vere willing- 
ly sold to *' Yankees," we drew our inferences ; and from 
what we gathered here and there from persons loitering 
about with the camp-guards, we concluded that General 
Grant's combinations were beginning to pinch. 

In order to give an idea of prison life in Columbia, 
South Carolina, I submit some extracts which I have 
been permitted to use, from the diary of Lieutenant J. 
N. Whitney, 2d Rhode Island cavalry, not only an old 
friend, but for some time a messmate and intimate com- 
panion. His record presents, from day to day, a com- 
plete picture of all the scenes and incidents which came 
under our observation during our imprisonment. It is 
not, however, my intention to give his journal complete, 
but to select such portions as will convey a clear insight 
into his experience, without the natural repetition found 
in a diary covering an extended period. I find an inter- 
val running from October 20, 1864, soon after our arrival, 
up to November 22d follovving^ — a duration of one month 
—contains all this, and therefore make that my selection. 
It will be observed in his narrative, tliat, though our 
treatment was little less than that of brutes, still we 
were not reduced to the suffering and disgusting extrem- 



130 NINETEEN MONTHS 

ities which characterized the prisoners of war elsewhere. 
This is rather an unaccountable fact, confined as we were 
in the very capital of the first State to revolt, and among 
a people historically hostile and vindictive towards the 
people of the North. 

I may add, that I accept Lieutenant Whitney's diary, 
not only on account of its merits as a daily record, but 
my inability to keep my own, while sufiering from a 
severe illness which befell me soon after our arrival. 

With this understanding, I will make the diary the 
subject of another chapter. 



A FfllSONEE OF WAR. 131 



CHAPTER XXV. 

Extract from the Diary of Lieutenant J. N. Whitney, 2d Rhode Is- 
land Cavalry. 

October 20, 1864. — To-day the weather is again fine. 
Nights frosty and cold. We commenced to live in a 
tent of our own. I will here give an account of our 
arrival from Charleston. We were turned into a new 
lot, in the suburbs of the town, lying on a hill bounded 
on the east by the main road from Columbia, running 
north. On the west by a deep valley, through which 
runs a small creek, tributary to the Saluda. This creek, 
I may add, runs through the lower portion of the camp. 
On the north we touch a heavy pine w^ood, which, with 
intervals of openings, and smaller growth, encircles the 
entire camp though at various distances from its bounda- 
ries. On the south ranges a low ridge, overgrown with 
brush and scattered pines. The site of the camp was 
originally covered with a stunted growth of small pines, 
which soon disappeared in the shape of huts for protec- 
tion against the weather. The camp is completely in- 
vested by a guard-line and chain of sentinels. It has 
been a rule in camp to permit small parties to go into the 
woods, to carry fuel for cooking. Some have already 
collected sufficient spare wood to construct the w^alls of 
a cabin, which, covered with brush, are quite comfort- 
able. Our quarters, which we hope to improve now, 



132 NINETEEN MONTHS 

consist of two blankets sewed, or rather strung toge- 
ther, and fastened by the four corners to as many posts 
driven firmly into»the ground, and rising from the sui"- 
face about two feet. A wedge-pole, supporting tlie 
blanket in the centre, is fastened on two stakes, about 
six inches higher. Oar bed (upon Avhich six of us sleep) 
is made of pine logs, crossing each other at the ends, 
making a height of about one foot, on which a surface o\ 
logs has been laid. The greatest difficulty we find in 
sleeping on this bed is, to avoid the sharp corners, being 
almost entirely without any thing to lie upon, except a 
little brush and leaves, and these even are scarce. We 
are however satisfied with this, in the absence of an im=- 
mediate prospect of any thing better. 

To-day cutting down of our rations took place. The 
issue per man, for five days, is as follows : 

Five quarts of corn-meal, very coarse. 

One quart 'of sorghum. 

Two tablespoonfuls of coarse salt. 

Two tablespoonfuls of rice. 

In a^ddition to this, those who have money are per- 
mitted to purchase of the sutler. He being in league, 
no doubt, with some of the ofiicers, has a monopoly, and 
is permitted to sell at his own price. His rates, in Con- 
federate money, are : 

Sweet potatoes, twenty dollars per bushel. Price in 
town, twelve dollars. 

Butter, fifteen dollars per pound. 

Fresh beef, two dollars and fifty cents per pound. 

Mutton,. the same. 

Irish potatoes, thirty^wo dollars per busheL 

Eggs, five dollars per dozen. 

Salt, six dollars per quart. 



A PRISONER OF WAR. 



133 



Apples, two for a dollar. 

Bacon, seven dollars per pound. 

Tea, seventy-five dollars per pound. 

Coffee, twelve dollars per pound. 

Cigars (villanous), four for a dollar. 

Shoes, sixty-five dollars per pair. Tapping-boots, 
twenty-five dollars. 

Cotton cloth, formerly seven cents, three dollars per 
yard. 

One sheet of paper, and one envelope, one dollar. 

French flannel shirt, fifty dollars. 

Tent-fly, one hundred dollars. 

One tin pint measure, five dollars. 

One thre-e-quart pail, twenty dollars. 

We have some difficulty in keeping the scant supplies 
which we receive. Our sorghum is kept in an old black 
bottle, which reminds us very forcibly of better cheer in 
former days. Its history is often a subject of amuse- 
ment in our mess, talking over the many sprees it has 
witnessed. Our corn-meal is secured in a bag made out 
of an old coat-tail, j^icked up in the rubbish-heap of the 
camp. Never, during our prison experience, have we 
had any conveniences for safely securing rations from the 
weather, wastage, and dirt. 

Our accommodations for cooking and eating are equal- 
ly primitive and simple. In our mess, which is better 
supplied than the majority of others, we possess four 
earthen dishes of the rudest and roughest fabric, two tin 
plates, much battered and bent ; two whole forks, and 
two with one prong ; three knives without handles ; one 
earthen cup of antique pattern, two earthen saucers; 
two tin pans; one huge tin pail, somewhat dilapidated 
and leaky, holding about twelve quarts. This answers 

12 



134: NINETEEN MONTHS 

also the purpose of a boiler. We have also one tin can, 
holding about one quart, used for making coffee. The 
repast whicli these conveniences and our limited rations 
permit us to make is spread upon the ground. 

Our wardrobe, and that of the majority of officers in 
this prison, is confined to the clothes upon our backs. 
Under garments are rare, and many who once possessed 
them were obliged to throw them away on account of 
the vermin which had congregated in them. 

October 2\st. — One of the finest days in autumn. I 
often look out upon the fields around, and wish for one 
hour's liberty. To-day a new commander, a lieutenant- 
colonel, took charge of the camp. He has promised a 
reform and better times; but we have been promised 
this so often that we expect little. 

October 23c?. — Last evening occurred one of those 
painful scenes which we are called upon too frequently 
to witness. Lieutenant Young, of the 4th Pennsyl- 
vania cavalry, while sitting on a stool with a number of 
companions clustered about a fire near the northern 
boundary of the camp, was shot through the body, and 
died in about twenty minutes. His only words were, 
" I am hurt," and was immediately seized with a hemor- 
rhage at the lungs. The guard, who was the cause of 
the lieutenant's death, said it was done accidentally, 
while adjusting the cap on his musket. But no one has 
ever been punished, or even reprimanded for their care- 
lessness. I remember one instance, in Richmond, where 
a soldier, for a similar " accident," received a promotion 
and furlough. The same occurred during my imprison- 
ment at Macon. A " Yankee" is never killed for any 
cause whatever, without evident signs of satisfaction on 
the part of the guard and their officers. 



A PRISONER OF WAR. , 135 

To-day the artillery, under the direction of our new 
commander, was removed to a hill at a greater distance, 
and giving better range to sweep the camp. This is 
probably a precautionary measure, suggested by the 
alarm of a few nio-hts since. The affair was rather 
amusing. The particulars were these : About eight 
o'clock p. M., four shots were heard in quick succession 
from the west side of the camp. Immediately in the 
camp of the chivalry there was a great commotion. 
Men were flying hither and thither in evident conster- 
nation. One shouting, 

" Where is company B ?" Another, an officer, yell- 
ing at the top of his voice, "Fall in, company G." 
Another, "Rally on that yer artillery," and so on for 
five minutes, the whole reserve guard was in a wild 
clatter. 

At last, they got into position, and became somewhat 
quiet. A small reconnoitering party ventured near the 
border of our camp, one exclaiming, 

"Fetch out yer Yanks." Another, "We're ready for 
you now." 

Finding no signs of disturbance, the party withdrew. 
Upon inquiry, I found that three prisoners ran by the 
guard, and were fired at. The guard, supposing a 
mutiny on the eve of breaking out, aroused their whole 
force, but only to find their alarms unfounded. 

October 23^7, Sunday, — Severe frost last night. We 
are having signs of the approach of winter, and few of 
us are prepared. The fires are nightly the centres of 
a shivering group. 

There have been a number of instances in this camp 
of gross injustice in the distribution of supplies sent 
here for distribution by the sanitary commission. A few 



136 NINETEEN MONTHS 

weeks ago, over one hundred quilts were received. If 
equitably distributed, they would have supplied nearly 
every destitute man in camp, or at least would have al- 
lowed one quilt to two. This, however, was not satis- 
factory to some. A colonel, for instance, whose name I 
forbear to mention, kept back about twelve for his own 
mess, w^hich was well supplied before. Every morning 
the blankets can be seen hung about his tent airing, 
while there are upward of a hundred men who are 
obliged to pass the nights hugging the fires, and sleep 
by day. 

Lieutenant Young, wdio was killed yesterday, was 
buried to-day. The funeral services were read by 
Lieutenant Ogden. Thus another victim of treason and 
treacherv lies buried far awav from home and friends. 
It is sad to think of this. How soon will the plowshare 
obliterate the amj)le mound which now marks his resting 
place ! 

October 25th. — A confederate soldier, caught stealing 
spoons, knives, forks, &c., during the evening roll call of 
prisoners, has been placed under arrest, his officers 
promising to punish him. 

Lieutenant King arrived in camp from hospital in 
town. He reports Union feelings among the rebel sol- 
diers, repeating a number of remarkable stories told by 
them of w^hat they intend doing. ISTot being credulous, 
we listen to the lieutenant's story, because it is something 
new, and not because there is much confidence i^laced in it. 

October 26^A, Wednesdai/. — We commenced building 
a cabin for shelter against the approaching cold and 
storms of M' inter. For the past two weeks we have been 
" lugging" pine logs upon our shoulders from the woods, 
about a quarter of a mile distant. This was somewhat 



A PEISOXER OF WAR. . 137 

of a task in our weakened state, and the accumulation 
of material was necessarily very slow. 

October 2lth^ Thursday, — Commenced splitting slabs 
for roofing. 

October 2Sth, Friday, — To-day we succeeded in put- 
ting up the sides and one end of our hut. It is now 
raining, the first we have had for twenty days. In our 
present quarters it is impossible to keep dry. We are 
soaking wet, and will have to remain so until the weather 
clears, and we can again start the fires. These rains are 
uncharitable things. How many poor fellows I can now 
see sitting without shelter, and but half clothed, taking 
the rain in all its fary ! All the huts and tents are 
crowded wiih wet and steaming clusters of men. Such 
misery ! I often long, in the parlance of the prisoners, 
"for some northern hog-pen." I hear a home-sick pris- 
oner exclaiming, " I wish I was in ray father's barn." 
His father must be a farmer. Another sings out with a 
stoical indifference, " 'Tis a place to be jolly in." An- 
other, with a mixtiu'e of irony and sincerity, remai'ks, "I 
want to go home." There are some cheerful spirits 
amongst us who make sport over everything. Without 
them it would be hard to survive this miserable place. 

October 2^th^ Saturday, — Still raining, no fires, nothing 
to eat, wet and weary. The day passed never so slowly. 
No sleep at night. Tlie same sad spectacle of men 
seated on the leeward side of a hut hug^o-incr their knees, 
the rain pelting them mercilessly. 

October ZOth^ Sunday. — The clouds broke during the 
night, and the sun rose beautifully this morning. De- 
tails of men have returned with wood, and the fires are 
again burning. Many are down sick with colds and 
pneumonia from the effects of the late exposure. A 

12* 



138 NINETEEN MONTHS 

great many are laid up with hunger, the rain interfering 
with the supplies. 

This afternoon was spent in bringing logs and brush 
for our hut. 

October 31 5^, Monday. — Suffered unusually from hun- 
ger to-day. Our labor in building we find very exhausting. 

November Ist^ Tuesday. — Received a letter from 
mother, dated September 25th. It is the only one that 
has reached me since May 1st. These always welcome 
missives of home are rendered doubly valuable in the 
isolation of prison life. To read them over and over 
again is a pleasurable way of wiling away the dull hours. 

November 2c7, Wednesday . — Last night an officer at- 
tempting to make his escape was wounded in the leg ; 
several, however, under cover of the fire which he drew, 
were more successful. 

To-day we occupied our hut, which turns out more 
comfortable than an exterior view would suggest. It? 
dimKnsions are seven feet by ten, and about six feet in 
height. The sides are well secured with mud, and the 
roof, which is made of boughs and earth, is a tolerable 
protection from the weather. The internal conveniences 
are rather economical in variety, consisting principally 
of a platform of logs covering nearly the entire space 
within, and used for lounging on rainy days and a bed 
at nig^ht. 

November 3c?, Thursday, — The great event of to-day 
was a visit from a highly apj^reciated personage, an old 
porker." As he approached the camp his movements 
w^ere closely watched by about a hundred hungry fellows. 
isTo sooner had his porkship crossed the " dead line" than 
he was enthusiastically greeted by a popular demonstra- 
tion. At least a hundred fell upon him, some seizing 



A PEISOXER OF WAR. ' 139 

him by the tail and ears, and every other portion of the 
animal furnishing a handle. Those who were unable to 
lay hold ^Dlunged their knives into him and clubbed him, 
the hog meanwhile squealing to the full extent. The 
hog, unable to endure this treatment, soon expired, 
then came the contest for a share in the spoils ; finally, 
however, it fell in small quantities into the hands of 
about fifty, and the cooking soon spread through the 
camp an odor of fresh meat, which had been foreign to 
lis for a long time. 

November 4:th^ Friday. — To-day we have had con- 
siderable excitement on the subject of "counts." A 
short time since the number of ofiicers confined in this 
prison was fifteen hundred, to-day but eleven hundred 
and sixty-four are all that can be accounted for. The 
cause of this deficit is the loose manner of paroling the 
men, who a short time since were permitted to go out 
alone for wood, provided they promised upon honor or 
oath that they would return. The applications were 
numerous, and the reo^ulations not rio-id. There were 
many who left the prison without giving their parole. 
These left the camp for our lines, some succeeding and 
others not. 

November bth^ Saturday. — An officer who made his 
escape yesterday reached a distance of five miles on his 
journey, and returned for want of food and a blanket. 
Approaching a sentinel, the officer stated that he was an 
inmate of the hosj^ital, and promised an order on another 
officer in camp for a new rubber blanket if the sentinel 
Avould give him his. The sentinel seized at the chance, 
and gave the officer his blanket. The officer again 
started on his journey, and the sentinel, after a delinquent 
search, found he w^as the victim of a " Yankee trick." 



140 NINETKEN ^fONTHS 

N'ove^n'ber 6tJi, Sunday. — Raining ; cold and im 
pleasant. Our frail domicile proves rather leaky. Those 
who are unprovided with any shelter at all, are com- 
mencing to feel the efiects of their unfortunate con- 
dition. Colds, rheumatism, and lung diseases, are com- 
mencing to spread. After the terrible experience 
of last winter, I dread the coming of the present 
one. 

N'ovember ^t/i, Monday, — Left the camp on parole. 
Walked to the factory. Xot permitted to enter. Saw a 
large number of the female oiDeratives, They are, I 
find, the best of the lower class, but greatly inferior in 
intelligence, good-looks, and taste in dress, to the North- 
ern factory girls. Towards prisoners they are generally 
kind, when an opportunity offei'S for them to show their 
feehngs, though the rules are strict that they shall have 
nothing to do with a "Yankee." 

Returned to camp in the afternoon, feeling much bene- 
fited by tlie exercise and fresh air enjoyed in my ram- 
bles. The only obstacle to our happiness, comparatively 
speaking, is a very limited supply of food to meet the 
cravings of excellent appetites. 

Kovemher St/i^ Tuesday, — Over sixty escaped prison- 
ers have been reclaimed up to this time, many bitten by 
hounds used in their pursuit. 

An officer named Murphy, a perfect specimen of an 
Irishman, was brought in this morning. Ever since, he 
has been narrating^ to an extensive and interested au- 
dience his perilous adventures and capture. He was out 
four days, and witnessed all sorts of sights, and passed 
tlirough an infinite variety of hairbreadth escapes. He 
represents the people hospitable, but reports that they 
pick up every able-bodied man, friend or foe, who can 



A PRISONER OF WAR. 141 

n<>t give a good account of himself. The country he 
represents uninviting, and difficult of travel. 

November \Othylliursday, — We are rapidly assuming 
the appearance of a winter encampment. More sub- 
stantial '' shebangs" than have answered the purpose oi 
shelter during the summer are being erected. 

The messes are each reduced ^\q or six less in number, 
and work in common, carrying logs from the woods, a 
half mile distant. The sides of the winter -' shebangs" 
are solid and secure, but the rooms, made of strips and 
brush, much expose the interior to the weather. Each 
"shebang" is provided witli a chimney of wood, '' cob- 
bled," and lined with clay-mud. All the crannies are 
filled in the same way, making every thing very close. 
Each place has one door, but no windows. However, 
by the time everybody is accommodated, we will have, 
if not the most beautiful, at all events, under the circum- 
stances, the most comfortable quarters now in a South- 
ern prison-camp. 

Kovemier lltJi^ Friday, — Last night a man was shot, 
attempting to pass the guard. 

November 12th^ Satitrday, — More escaped prisoners 
brought in. All report poor prospects of discovering a 
passage out of the country, on account of its intricacies 
of roads and rivers. 

November 13^A, Sunday. — A beautiful Sabbath. The 
weather clear and sparkling. The air rather cool and 
damp. We enjoy few opportunities of religious in- 
struction. Everybody's religion here is to reach G(^'Ts 
country, as the North is termed, as soon as possible. 

November IQth^ Wednesday. — Xothing new. Monot- 
ony, bad weather, nothing to eat, and every thing else 
to make our confinement irksome. 



142 NINETEEN MONTHS 

N'ovemher 17 th^ Thursday. — Thinking about trying 
my fortune in an effort to escape ; been revolving in ray 
mind a number of plans, none of which seem to answer 
the purpose. 

Novemher ISth Fi^iday. — Had a conversation with 
Lieutenant G. M. Van Buren, 6th New York Cavalry, on 
the subject of escape. He agrees to be xny companion. 
Passed the day in secret conversations on the subject. 

November 20tJi^ Sunday. — Our plans of escape, which 
were ready to be carried into effect to-night, were de- 
layed by the arrival of a box from home, containing 
shirts and stockings. This comes at a very appropriate 
time, as I as well as my companion were in need of 
Buch supplies for our journey. 



A PEIiONER OF WAE. 143 



CHAPTER XXVI. 

The E-Jcape of Lieutenant Whitney and Captain Van Buren — Their 
Experiences on the Way — Attacked by Hounds — Arrival at a Mill — 
Obliged to Turn Back — A Sorghum Boiling. 

By November 21st I had returned to my mess, and at 
once entered into the arrangements of escape suggested 
by Lieutenant Whitney. My strength was not sufficient 
for me to undertake any such journey ; it was therefore 
understood that I should keep guard over the personal 
effects of the Lieutenant and his companion, and in event 
of not being recaptured, and returned to camp at the 
expiration of four weeks, the things in my possession 
were to be disposed of as I saw fit. 

As Lieutenant Whitney and his companion were both 
brought back to Cohimbia, after being out a few weeks, 
I will let the diary of the former note their experience, 
and narrate their adventures. 

The day before their departure two passes were writ- 
ten out, one for the Lieutenant, the other for Captain 
Van Buren. The Lieutenant assumed the name of Lieu- 
tenant Jackson, and his companion. Captain Mann. Li 
addition to writing these passes themselves, they also 
took the privilege of signing the name of Captain Mar- 
tin, officer of the guard. 

We resume the diary where the Lieutenant and Cap- 
tain left camp : 

November 22r7, Tuesday. — The sun rose clear this 



14:4: NINETEEN MONTHS 

morning, and every thing turned out to facilitate our es' 
cape. The understanding was to pass the guard singly. 
Bidding a quiet good-by to but two of our most intimate 
friends, we commenced our operations by a little nian- 
ceiivring about the guard, to catch them without an 
officer. At the proper moment, with my pass in hand, 
my haversack under my coat, containing a few necessary 
articles of food, a blanket thrown over my shoulders, 
and with two loaves of corn-bread in my hand, I ap- 
proached the guard, handed him my papers, at the same 
time adding, in the weakest voice at my command, that 
I wished to go to the "hospital where I belonged." The 
guard looked at the pass mechanically, looked at me, 
and then gave the document back, saying it was " all 
right." I crossed the line, and at once felt like another 
man, ready to undergo every privation and fatigue for 
liberty. I immediately hastened towards the hospital, 
where I was soon joined by the Captain. We remained 
about the hospital, but as much removed from atten- 
tion as possible, until 7 o'clock p.m., when we set out on 
our uncertain journey, feeling strong and full of hope. 

Our first duty was to elude the soldiers and inhabi- 
tants continually found in the vicinity of the camp, and 
having reached the country, we felt rather safe. Passing 
along the edge of the open field in the rear of the rebel 
headquarters, we could see the rebel soldiers seated 
around their camp fires, talking and lant^hinof, sino-iiicr 
and smoking, some stretched at full length on the ground, 
sleeping, and others standing. How unconscious they 
were that two "Yanks" were anxiously creeping by 
them on their way to " Yankeedom.." We made our 
v>^ay through briers and mud-holes until we had efiect- 
ually "flanked" the enemy, and came out on the road a 



A PRISOXEE OF WAR. . 145 

short distance beyond. We halted a few moments to 
listen and reconnoitre. This was a wise precaution. We 
had scarcely set our ears to work than two rebel soldiers, 
talking enthusiastically upon various subjects that they 
knew nothing about, passed within a few rods of us. 
We dropped flat on the ground, and lay there in anxious 
suspense, every moment expecting them to challenge us. 
But they passed on, infinitely to our relief, without ob- 
serving us. We lay in our cover about half an hour 
longer, until it was later, and consequently less proba- 
bility of finding any one abroad. At length we arose, 
and struck out into the road, making our way directly 
for Columbia, whence Ave intended to take a road lead- 
ing off to the right towards Augusta, Ga., — the latter 
point being our destination, in hopes of falling in with 
some of Gen. Sherman's forces reported moving for that 
point and the coast. 

After a great search, and considerable scratching 
through brambles, we ran into an inclosure, in which 
was a small cabin. The inmates were in a state of jol- 
lification, which was manifested by sundry exercises 
effected in unison with the labors of a negro fiddler, who 
was deeply engaged in extracting certain imitations of 
tunes from his instrument. We passed the house with- 
out attracting any attention, and struck the road leading 
in the desired direction. Down this road we pushed 
with all speed. The night was clear and cold, and the 
ground frozen, — a good night for walking. We made 
no delay on our waA% more than to stop occasionally and 
listen. 

. About five miles from Columbia, we struck a wide 
creek, crossing the road. There was no bridge, and the 
only way to cross it was by w^ading. Accordingly we 

13 



146 NINETEEN MONTHS 

Stripped our feet and legs, and walked in with a shiver. 
When less than half the distance across, the water 
reached our pantaloons. We gave a glance at tlie op- 
posite shore, which was, at least, twice as far distant as 
the space we had crossed. There was but the alternative 
to strip or turn back. Adopting the latter, we turned 
about and walked out, to make an effort to find some 
more practicable and convenient means of getting over. 

After reconnoitring in the darkness, on both sides of 
the road, we discovered something which, upon investi- 
gation, was found to be a foot-bridge. Upon this we 
cautiously crossed, and again took the road. 

About midnight we passed a plantation on the road- 
side. This was the first and only one during our first 
night's travel. The negro huts were close to the road, 
and as we went by, we could see the bright fires shining 
through the chinks, and hear the negroes earnestly 
talking. We kept on our way without attracting their 
attention. Soon after, we came to a mill, in which there 
were a number of men at work. We searched diligently 
for a crossing, but could find none except by passing 
through the mill. Not deeming it prudent to hazard 
such an alternative, we turned back, and struck another 
road, which, though not following our general direction, 
we hoped would bring us out on another road leading 
south. Southern roads, we found, were not the most 
regularly surveyed, nor excellently constructed. They 
are nothing more than wagon-tracks winding in every 
direction through forests, over plantations, and across 
streams without bridges. Any obstacles, such as a 
fallen tree, are conveniently avoided by making a detour. 
The roads, consequently, are much obstructed, and diffi- 
cult to travel. In the darkness, more than once we lost 



A PRISONER OF WAR. 147 

■• 

the track, and several times were thro\Yn to the ground 
across logs and stuinps in our way. 

During the night, we made as much distance as pos 
sible. As day was breaking, w^e reached a plantation, 
yet we ventured past. The house stood off some dis* 
tance, but the bam was immediately on the road. We 
heard several voices in the barn, and soon two men came 
out. We sprang into a thicket on the road-side, and 
ran about a hundred yards into a ravine. 

JSfoveniber 23(/, Wednesday .—1^2.\\w^ remained quiet 
in the ravine for fully a half an hour, and feeling assured 
that we were not detected by the two men from the 
barn, we looked about us for a secluded spot where we 
mio'ht be secure from discoverv. It was now broad dav- 
light. After a little search, we found a dense cluster of 
briers, thickly surrounded by large trees. We felt it 
would be impossible for any one to find us, unless they 
accidentally walked right into the bushes. This was not 
a probable contingency, so we opened our haversacks, 
and ate sparingly of our food, a little bacon and a little 
bread. We here discovered one cause of distress, we 
were wuthout w^ater, and had been since e^rly yesterday. 
As it would be dangerous to attemj)t to satisfy our thirst, 
we determined to wait until nio-ht. 

We now lay down for rest, covering ourselves with 
the blanket I had brought. We both fell into a sound 
sleep, from which we awoke long after noon. An hour 
before dark, we took another meal, but could find no 
water. 

When night had set in, we resumed our journey. 
After fairly '' flanking" the plantation, we again entered 
the road. Having tramped but a half a mile on our 
way, we reached a cross-roads. Van Buren climbed the 



148 NnN"ETEEX MO^^THS 

sign-post, and read the directions, which indicated that 
we had come out on the main Columbia and Augusta 
road. We followed the index fins^er pointing: to Auofusta. 
Xo incident occurred during the night. We passed a 
number of plantations, in the houses of which lights 
were burning, but the buildings standing away from the 
road, we experienced no danger in getting by. 

Kovemher 24^7i, Thursday. — During last night my 
legs pained me severely, probably from the eiiects of 
the attemj^t to wade the stream across the road on our 
first night out. But I gave no attention to my suffering, 
hoping another night's exercise m.ight restore them to 
good walking order. 

At dawn this morning we reached a densely populated 
disti'ict, that is, for the South. While passing a house 
near the road four hounds sprang at us. We took to 
the bushes, they after us. Fortunat-ely we were not dis- 
covered on the road, and the uproar occasioned by the 
hounds was not an unusual annovance, so no attention was 
paid to them, else we should have been detected at once. 

After holding: us at bav for about an hour the doo^s 
went off, evidently satisfied that they had annoyed us 
enough. We now kept under cover of the bushes in 
the bottom of a ravine, where we discovered a beautiful 
little stream. Our thirst, which by this time had be- 
come almost intolerable, was heartily quenched. 

We both now, soon after, lay down, and fell into a 
sound sleep, from which we were called to our senses 
about ten o'clock, shaking with the cold. We now ate 
our breakfast; in fact, it was" the remnant of our whole 
stock of food. After washing in the stream, we both 
felt refreshed, and hid ourselves in the bushes for the re- 
mainder of the day. The long hours were spent in lay- 



A PlilSONER OF WAR. , 149 

ing out plans over our future movements, with intervals 
of sleep, and no dinner. 

Late in the afternoon we gathered a number of acorns. 
There were a number of hogs near us engaged in the 
same search, and seemed to look upon our labors as an 
intrusion upon the au'eady precarious supply of this ar- 
ticle of diet. 

About an hour after dark we ag^ain ventured on the 
road, and resumed our journey. For two hours, we 
moved onward without incident. We passed several 
plantations and a number of negro quarters, but at- 
tracted only the attention of an occasional hound, widch 
saluted us as we passed with on^e or two mournful howls. 

Shortly before ten o'clock in the evening, we ap- 
proached a sorghum boiling. The glare of the fires lit 
up the road for some distance. There were a large num- 
ber of whites and blacks superintending the operations. 
Our o'reatest concern was to eet bv without eliciting: ob- 
servation. We left the road as we drew near the light; 
in fact, we were expedited in this manoeuvre by the sud- 
den appearance in our rear of a planter galloping towards 
us on a mule. We lay in the bushes about twenty feet 
from the road tmtil he passed, and then rose, and started 
to make a detour of the sorghum boilers. We expe- 
rienced the greatest difficulty in forcing a passage through 
the briers, and suffered oreatlv from the lacerations thus 
occasioned both to our bodies as well as our clothes. We 
stiffered much from a want of vrater, and were obHged 
to drink from hog wallows, in ^^hich frequently stood 
a small quantity of stagnant water from the last rain. 
By this time also the pains in my limbs became so. great 
that I hobbled along with the assistance of two sticks, 
and with the greatest difficulty. 

13* 



150 NINETEEN MONTHS 



CHAPTER XXYII. 

Off the road— Discover a Pen-stack — Eest — Morning — Where the trav- 
ellers found themselves — Making themselves known, to the Negroes— 
The Hospitality of the Negroes. 

November 2b th^ Friday, — Shortly after 3 o'clock in 
the morning, during the darkness, we strayed from our 
road into a large field. For at least an hour we wan- 
dered about unsuccessfully, endeavoring to extricate 
ourselves. At last we came to a number of stacks of 
cow-peas. To satisfy our himger, we set to and ate a 
large quantity of them, after which, lying close up to 
the stack, and covering ourselves with a goodly supply 
of the damp vines, sank into a sound slumber. 

At. dawn, we were aroused by a negro, who crossed 
the yard on which we were lying, and disappeared in a 
cornfield. Before creeping from our cover, we made a 
good preliminary oj)tical reconnoissance of our locahty. 
We found ourselves in an extensive field, and two- hun- 
dred yards from the negro quarters, w^hich stood between 
us and the plantation house, a short distance beyond. 

At sunrise the negroes could be seen flocking from 
their comfortable cabins, ready to begin their day's 
work. Some went to the fields; several fat wejiches 
took a conspicuous position near the stack in which we 
lay, and set up a tremendous "Coo-o-hoo," " Coo-o-hoo." 
In a few moments, this summons was answ^ered by the 
appearance of a large number of hogs, apparently in 



A PKTSONER OF WAR. , 151 

great excitement in expectation of their morning meal. 
While watching these proceedings a patriarchial negro 
passed in a wagon, singing vociferously a psalm, in the 
favorite doleful minor key. 

A few minutes after sunrise, about a dozen negroes, 
male and female, had congregated in front of their quar- 
ters, and were holding an earnest conversation, judging 
from their manner, on an important subject. Our object 
now was to attract the attention of one, without alarm- 
ing the others. Directly an aged and a middle-aged negro, 
with axes on their shoulders, crossed the field, and ap- 
proached the stack-yard. They entered the inclosure, and 
commenced to work within a few feet of our conceal- 
ment. After laboring for a few minutes they held up, 
and again entered into conversation, probably a contin- 
uance of that in which they indulged at their quarters. 
We listened attentively. The old darkey was talking. 

" I tink," said he, " dis here war had to be, and I 
tink God is on de side ob de Yankees. 'Tis just as in 
de days ob pfore, when dey sprinkled de sides ob de 
houses Avid blood, and de nation was smote, 'cause of its 
wickedness." 

The younger African fully coincided with this obser- 
vation, and they resumed their work. 

A few minutes after, they took another breathing 
spell. This time the subject of their talk was a matter 
which deeply interested both of us, relating to several 
officers who designed attempting their escape the same 
night of ours. The old negro alluded to one in unmis- 
takable terms, and mentioned having given him food the 
nioht before. 

The younger African passed a compliment on the 
stranger, to the effect that he was a " man who used the 



152 ninetep:n months 

most correctest language dey heard in all der days — dat 
massa was no com parson." 

Basin o^ our conclusions of their feelinojs from this con- 
versation we had listened to, we determined at once to 
discover ourselves to them. 

In an undertone, but still covered with the pea-vines, 
my head alone exposed, I addressed the elder of the 
negroes, calling him " uncle." The two stopped work, 
when one of them, seeing me, came up. I said to 
him — 

" Uncle, do you know who we are ?" 

" I kind o' 'spec youse Yankees," said the old negro. 

His companion now joined him, and we assured the 
two that we were Yankees. At first they were in doubt 
whether to beheve us, but a few minutes sufficed to con- 
vince them. Their countenances immediately lit up with 
satisfaction, and they seemed heartily glad to see us, dirty, 
ragged, hag^gard, and travel- worn as we were. The two 
negroes offered their kindness, which we accepted in the 
same spirit of gratitude Avith which it was tendered. 

Their first thought was to get us out of the stack-yard, 
which they knew was ]iot safe. 

The old negro, speaking, remarked — 

" Massa, dis place am very unsartain ; when de boss 
comes out, he comes right here, so I speck dat de safest 
way am to git out ob dis stack, and lay away somewhar 
else." 

We at once mentioned our confidence to the negroes, 
and that we would be guided by their directions. 

After the ancient negro thoroughly reconnoitred 
about the premises, and found the coast clear, they 
hastened us to a thicket on the edge of the field, where 
we were told to remain, while they resumed their work. 



A PKISONER OF WAPw. - 153 

until " Boss," wliom they were expecting at the stacks, 
should return to the bouse. 

Two hours thus passed away. TTe had crept a short 
distance into the bushes, in order to be more secure, and 
were discussing our future movements, when the 
younger of the two negroes made his appearance, with a 
bottle of sorghum, some sweet potatoes, and an immense 
pone, made mostly of flour, which being a luxtiry among 
negroes, he had saved it, probably, since the beginning 
of the war. In our halt-famished state we devoured it 
without much ceremony, and much to the astonishment 
and sympathy of our beneiactor. 

Having concluded our meal, the negro appeared 
decidedly anxious to know something about the prog- 
ress of the war. After over a year's iuiprisonment, we 
were almost as ignorant on the subject as himself; 
though ia prison we had all kinds of rumors and reports, 
and an occasional sight of a newspaper. We told him, 
however, that General Sherman, with ever so many 
more men than all the rebel army put together, was 
mar chin o' across Georo-ia, for Auo-usta. This was then 
the general impression among the prisoners. This 
information greatly excited the joy of the negro ; he 
laughed*and swung his hat, but when we told him that 
General Sherman would soon be in Soutii Carolina, and 
set all his brethren free, his delight knew no bounds. 
He roiled on the ground, kicked and cut up a variety of 
antics, and was only restrained from shouting by a 
thoug^htful consideration of our safetv. 

At each pause in our remarks, the negro would chime 
in, " To be shoo ;" and when we finished said, '' Ise 
gwine to 'Gusta to-day, after his nice gold watch ; he'3 
afeerd de Yankees cotch it ; yah, yah." Judging fi-om 



154 NINETEEN MONTHS 

this remark the master evidently expected the Yankees 
there himself, and the negro had now discovered the 
meanino; of sendins: him for the watch. 

A half an hour after the negro who brought iis food 
had joined us, another came up, and, in a few minutes, 
the old negro, v»hose name, I learned, was Uncle Ben. 
The old man was a venerable looking old African, and, I 
have no doubt, the embodiment of all rare virtues at- 
tributed by fiction writers to the higher order of slaves. 
I formed an affection for the old man at finst sight, and 
■was greatly strengthened in it by his many kindnesses 
to us in our forlorn and dependent condition. Uncle 
Ben, from all accounts, was an important negro among 
his race in the vicinity. He could read and write, and 
w\as the oracle of the neighborhood. He frequently 
smuggled a paper, from which he enlarged his ideas for 
the edification of his people. 

This day I shall never forget. As we sat surrounded 
by 6ur three generous protectors, I could scarcely sup- 
press a tear of sympathy that so much goodness of heart 
should be wasted in the abject and forced servitude of 
bondage. As we sat on the thick leaves, and told them 
of the war, of the Emancipation Proclamation, and many 
other things, they displayed an eagerness seldom wit- 
nessed in the most intelhgent. From their masters, in 
whom they had no confidence, they had overheard many 
marvellous stories, but with wonderful sagacity sifted 
the truth from fiction. Indeed they seemed to possess a 
very good idea of the war, and laughed to think that 
their masters took them to be such fools as to believe 
their stories. Here the old negro spoke of their suffer- 
ings, their privations, and particularly the universal im- 
position of the masters, and their encroachment upon 



A PRISONER OF WAR. 155 

prerogatives they and their ancestors had enjoyed, time 
out of memory. The old ne2:ro said he was willino: to 
work, if he got paid for it. Their ideas are of necessity 
incoherent, and hberty in their mind is merely an inde- 
scribable sensation. At least, so I judged from Uncle 
Ben's views. 

We were particularly cautious against "tory" negroes, 
as the old man termed them, adding, "Some niggers 
haint got no sense." The word tory vras one applied by 
the inhabitants of South Carolina to all persons of Union 
sentiments, while the negroes used it to signify a negro 
who exposed the Yankees. 

About noon all the negroes left us, promising to 
return with food towards evening. 

It was five o'clock, and we had just aroused from a 
sound sleep, when the three negroes reappeared, with a 
bountiful supply of boiled bacon, wheat bread, boiled 
and roasted sweet potatoes, boiled chickens, and every 
delicacy within their reach. We ate our fill, and the 
remnants being sufficient for a number of meals, were 
nicely deposited in our haversacks. Though the kind- 
ness was the act of hospitality, we paid the negroes 
handsomely for their food, and felt, whatever might 
have been the drain upon their stock, they possessed the 
means of replacing it by purchase ; otherwise it is proba- 
ble they would have sufiered for their kindness. 



156 KIHETEKN MONTHS 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 

The Travellers again on the Way— Their Guide— Pelejsr's Home — A 
final Parting — Dense Forests — Again off the Eoad — Strike the Sav- 
annah River — Efforts to find a Negro — Eun into a Kebel Ticket — 
Again in the Hands of the Enemy. 

« 

Designing to resume our journey, we now commenced 
to discuss the best route of travel. Peleg, the young- 
est and best-looking of the darkies, spoke up, and in- 
formed us he was going a distance of six miles to see 
his wife, and offered to guide us by a shorter route than 
the one we proposed to take. 

Very soon after dark w^e were ready, and, bidding 
adieu to our good friends, started, led by Peleg. As 
we separated from these simple, noble-hearted negroes, 
I felt a gratitude deeper than I ever felt before, and 
again thought what a worth of human feeling slavery 
withheld from the world. 

With a thoughtfulness rather remarkable, the negro 
insisted upon carrying our haversacks, in order to relieve 
us as much as possible, saying we had "a long ways to 
travel." He strove to make himself agreeable. He 
told us that he had been married live vears, and in all 
that time, rain or shine, had not missed a single night in 
seeing his wife. 

After an hour's walk we reached a stream, about forty 
yards in wddth, which w^as considerably swollen, inso- 
much that the foot-bridge was submerged about twelve 



A PEISONKR OF WAR. 157 

inches. The night was cold, and the water not at all 
agreeable to the feet. However, following the example 
of our guide, we took oif our shoes, rolled up our pan- 
taloons, and walked in, following the bridge by a horizon- 
tal pole, answering the purpose of a railing. Having 
reached the other side, we again put on our shoes and 
resumed our journey. 

A short distance beyond this stream we came to the 
cabin of our guide. It was a rude structure, but as near 
as we could judge in the dark, comfortable, and prettily 
situated in the midst of a small plot of ground, adorned 
with shrubbery. We expected him to ask us in to rest, 
but not so. When we got close up to the rear of the 
cabin, he said : 

'• Massas, dis place am filled wid de tory niggars, who, 
if dey was to see you, would run right away an tell de 
boss; derfore, you must stay right here, till I come 
back." 

We promised him to remain. Accordingly, he disap- 
peared in his cab^p. 

During the absence of the negro, we talked over sever- 
al plans for our future movements ; but being unfamiliar 
with the country, and without a compass, we determined 
to leave our route to our negro companion. 

The negro was gone nearly an hour, and we had al- 
most given him up, when, much to our surprise, he joined 
us, heavily laden with all sorts of provisions for our jour- 
ney. He brought his wife with him, as he said, to see 
"de Yankees." It was evident that the negro was 
pleased with us, and took an immense amount of delight 
in turning us around, and laughing with great satisfac- 
tion at the opportunity of showing his faithful spouse 
two live " Yankees." 

14 



158 NINETEEN MONTHS 

From the goodly store of provisions brought by the 
negro we ate heartily, and dejDosited in our haversacks 
as much as we could conveniently carry, returning the 
rest. 

When all was ready for us to again set out, we offered 
the negro money for his kindness ; but he peremptorily 
refused to take any thing at all, exclaiming : " Dis am 
de charity dat de Lor says must be given to dose who 
suffer." 

This speck of religion was all the more forcible by a 
very hearty " Amen," emanating from Peleg's wife. 

It would have been a crime to destroy such pure and 
conscientious impulses ; we accordingly accepted the do- 
nation with the deepest feelings and expressions of grat- 
itude. 

Our next subject was, which route we should take. 
The negro proposed, as the most direct, and with little 
care in keeping on the lookout, ahead and in the rear, 
just as safe, and certainly more sure for night travel, the 
main road to Augusta, by way of Lee^ille, striking the 
Charleston and Augusta railroad about Aiken, thence 
pursuing that line until near the city, when we would be 
able to hide in the swamps until General Sherman came 
up. 

The suggestion was satisfactory, and entirely in ac- 
cordance with our own views on the subject. Bidding 
good-by to the wife of our friend, Peleg accompanied us 
on the road a short distance, and got us fairly started, 
when he returned to his little cabin, and we moved on 
our way to liberty. 

November 2Qth, Saturday, — After parting with our 
negro friend last night, we walked until the break of 
dawn this morning. We crossed several streams, and 



A PRISONER OF WAE. 159 

passed a number of plantations, but met no person on 
the road. Therefore the night passed without incident. 

During nearly all of to-day we slept. The distance 
from Columbia to Augusta is about sixty miles. We are 
now more than two-thirds on oar way. 

N'ovember 2lt7i^ Sunday, — At eight o'clock last even- 
ing we w^ere again on our feet, and making our way 
carefully. Passed a villaQ-e durino; the nio;ht, making^ a 
detour to avoid discovery. 

Towards morning, it became evident that we were ai> 
proaching a large river. We pushed on rapidly, to get 
as near as possible, to make the other side during to- 
morrow nio'ht. 

Passed the day in a swamp, a short distance off the 
road. Occasionally, from our retreat, we could spy per- 
sons on foot and in waggons. 

Noveinber 2%th^ Monday, — At dusk, last evening, we 
came out on the road, and after carefully looking around, 
resumed our journey. Our route lay principally through 
dense forests and swamps. We passed no plantations 
during the night. Every thing had a wild appearance. 
We now feel sure we are in the vicinity of the Savan- 
nah, or some other large stream. 

At davHorht this morninir there was no termination ot 
the forest into which we had penetrated, and we had 
doubts whether we were on the Aug^usta road. In the 
darkness, we thought we might have strayed by the 
wrong path. At all events, we resolved to press on to 
the river, and then direct our course by the current. 

After halting several hours for breakfast, and a little 
sleep, w^e resumed our journey. At noon, we came to 
a small village, which w^e avoided, and in less than two 
hours came out upon the river. 



160 NINETEEN MONTHS 

Our first act, after accomplishing this part of our 
journey, was to hunt up a negro, in which we failed. 
We also needed food, as our supply was well-nigh ex- 
hausted, and also wished to find some one to take us 
across the river. 

It was agreed not to go into the village, but to follow 
down the stream, until we came to a negro quarters, 
where it was certain we would find both food and a 
boat. 

We had walked probably about ten miles through one 
of the worst countries I ever witnessed, nevertheless 
making excellent time, when, to our despair, at a bend 
in the river, we ran into a road in full view of a rebel 
cavalry picket, guarding a crossing. 

" Halt !" " halt !" exchumed two rebel soldiers at the 
same time, one standincj in the road about twentv vards 
distant, and another springing from a cluster of bushes 
not more than ten feet from us. 

Almost simultaneously we could see a dozen men seize 
their muskets. At first I fell like dartin^: back into the 

CD 

timber ; but this was of no use, as I found, upon looking 
round, we were completely surrounded. There was, 
therefore, but the single alternative of surrender. 

When summoned to halt, we obeyed instantly. One 
of the rebel guard approaching, looked at us closely, and 
remarked, after he got through — 

'' Yankees, eh ! Well, we got you." 

At first I thoug^ht of representino^ both of us as con- 
nected with some branch of the rebel sen-vice, on our 
way to Augusta ; but this would not do, as our passes 
would at once identify us as Union soldiers:, which, in 
case of a denial of the fact, would be sufficient to -con- 
demn us as spies. So neither of us said any thing. 



A PEISONER OF WAR. 161 

" You are our prisoners," continued the guard. By 
this time nearly the whole picket off duty had gathered 
around us. " Where do you come from ?" 

"Well, that's more than we can tell," I replied, ''as 
we know nothing about this country." 

"Well, we'll soon teach you something about it," 
said the guard, " if you don't tell us where you belong, 
and where you're going." 

I was puzzled at first which army to claim, whether 
Sherman or the troops at Hilton Head, because we were 
some distance out of the way of each. At length the 
thought struck me. I rej^lied : 

"We belong to Sherman's army, and got cut off in a 
skirmish in which our boys W€re badly whipped, and 
were trvins: to make oui* wav to Auo-iista." 

" Then," asked an ofiicer, who had stepped up by this 
time, " you expect Sherman at Augusta ?" 

"N"ot exactly," I replied; "I do not know where he 
is aimino^ at. I thouojht if his main armv did not q:o 
there, at least some troops might pass that way." 

As my first remark announced a victory for the rebels, 
the guards were satisfied that we were punished enough, 
so we were taken to the guard quarters, and treated bet- 
ter than we expected. 

A great many questions were asked about movements 
and so forth, which I evaded, claiming ignorance on the 
plea of being a " private." I learned from the guards, 
whom we impressed with the idea that we came from 
the other side of the river, that we struck the river 
twenty miles from Augusta, and at present we were ten 
mil^ from the town. 

By a fortunate oversight we were not examined when 
first taken, and while seated alone we both took out our 



162 NmETEEN MONTHS 

pipes and carelessly lit them with paper which we' took 
from our pockets*. These were our passes, and were the 
onlv evidence we had about us contradicting: the account 
w^hich we had given of ourselves. 



A PEISONER OF WAE. 163 



CHAPTER XXIX. 

TTaken to Augusta — Back to Columbia — Meeting old Friends — Another 
Exchange — Prisoners transferred to the Yard of the Lunatic Asylum 
— Building Quarters — Suffering. 

After being detained in Augusta for several days, 
Lieutenant Whitney and his comjDanion were returned 
to camp at Columbia. They were a pitiable spectacle, 
almost shoeless, their clothes rag^s^ed and dirty, and bore 
every other evidence of a distant and toilsome journey. 
It was on the evening of December 3, 1864, when they 
arrived, and just as I was about cooking some corn-cake 
for the mess. The new-comers were almost famished, 
and partook largely in our repast, after which we sat by 
our fire and listened to their narrative of the adventures 
which I have alreadv oriven. 

On the day after the return of the two prisoners, the 
subject of exchange was again agitated, and created 
great excitement. During the same day two men were 
shot, one while attempting to escape, and the other 
while walking within the limits of the camp. The disci- 
pline of the camp, all of a sudden, and without notifica- 
tion, became very rigid. Sherman's movements towards 
the coast had created a great deal of alarm, particularly 
at this time, when it was known that there was no 
doubt of the complete success of the movement. Rebel 
papi^rs, which we were hitherto allowed, were of a sud- 
den withdrawn, and it was accordingly only by smug- 
gling that we now got them. 



164 NINETEEN MONTHS 

On December 8th, two hundred names were called for 
exchange. There was immediately the usual " pulling" 
and bribery among those especially ardent in their 
efforts to get off. I always found, and in this instance 
particularly, in the matter of exchange there was great 
injustice done. Those who were longest in prison 
always stood the poorest chance of being released, and 
day after day for long months we wore our lives away 
in almost hopeless waiting, while those who were in 
prison but one or two months were sure to be among 
the first exchanged. 

On the 9th of December the exchanged men left 
camp. In calling the names a number were absent, but 
others stepped up and answered in their places. In 
this piece of pardonable fraud, under the circumstances, 
two men were detected, and sent back, but the others 
all got away. In this exchange we got rid of one nui- 
sance in camp, a Colonel , who showed great par 

tiahty for his favorites, to the exclusion of justice and 
every thing else. 

On Monday, December 12th, we received orders from 
the rebel officer in command to " pack up" for a move. 
They claimed it was for humanity^s sake, but, as this 
was a rare virtue, w^e at once concluded that General 
Sherman was on his way to Columbia. 

As soon as orders came, the men at once set to 
burning their-quarters. The rubbish accumulated made 
quite a conflagration, which was still at its height as we 
left. 

The march to the city was a perfect mob ; everybody 
tried to be first, in hopes, at the end, of getting better 
quarters, As we went along, we were paraded through 
the main streets. The people, however, manifested very 



A PRISONEE OF WAR. ' 165 

little feeling or excitement. " The Yanks are coming" 
had become too common to be much heeded. It oc- 
curred to me still more forcibly, after this transfer, that 
General Sherman was certainly expected, sooner or4ater 
The people, I observed, paid much more deference to 
" Yankees." 

On the way I noticed a lady waving a handkerchief at 
the men. A rebel officer stepped up to her and asked — 

" Madam, do you mean that for those Yankees ?" 

The lady, expressing some surprise, replied — 

" Sir, I thought they were our men." 

The manner in which this was said was sufficient to 
interpret her real meaning. 

As we passed the hotel, a rebel officer, of the old 
school, was standing in front. As we came up he 
opened a volley of epithets upon us, and made a com- 
plete ass of himself. Growing still more excited, he 
threw off his coat, and swore he could whip the best 
" Yankee" among us. The only recognitions we made 
of his enthusiasm were groans, and a few expressions 
from the prisoners, as, " Go it, old pudding-head ;" 
" Why don't you go to the front," etc. 

When we reached the Lunatic Asylum, which we 
now found was our destination, we were drawn up in 
line; when Major Griswold, commanding the post, made 
a speech. His words were as follows : 

" Yon are prisoners ; I intend to do all in my power 
for your comfort. As you enter that yard you will see 
a line of boards near the wall. That is the " dead-line." 
Any man crossing that will be shot. You will be sup- 
plied with lumber and tools, with which you must build 
your own houses, under the direction of our. master- 
joiner. Any thing about the grounds destroyed by you, 



166 NINETEEN MONTHS 

its value will be deducted from your money. Any tools 
that are missing, kept back by you, after building, their 
vahie will also be deducted from your money." 

After the major concluded his remarks, w^e were 
turned into the yard. There was at once a big rush for 
quarters. In five minutes the only building in the inclo- 
sure, to be used for the j^urpose, and capable of holding 
about two hundred, was packed full, with almost double 
that number. Those outside sat on the ground, without 
w^ood, shivering with cold, and no prospect of sj^eedily 
being better off. ^ 

The yard in which we were confined contained about 
five acres, and was surrounded on three sides by a brick 
wall ten feet in height, while on the fourth was a board 
fence, the same height. There w^ere two buildings, in 
addition to the one mentioned, used as hospitals. Sinks 
and water were convenient. The " dead-line," alluded 
to in the major's si^eech, was a row of boards about ten 
feet from, and within the wall, running around the 
entire inclosure. On the west, in the extension of our 
yard, was the Insane Asylum, pretty well pojDulated, 
judging from the numerous doleful sounds emanating 
thence. 

The night of December 12, the first at the asylum, 
was very cold ; we, consequently, without shelter, were 
obliged to keep awake, and* run up and down the inclo- 
sure to keep warm. 

The next day the work on the buildings was contin- 
ued. One was completed, and immediately occupied. 
They were built to accommodate thirty-six men, were 
without floors, no windows, and a mud chimney. 

By December 26th, four buildings were erected, and 
one of which was occupied in part by our mess. There 



A PRISONER OF WAR. . 167 

were, however, yet a large number under blankets, and 
exposed to the inclemency of the season. The delay in 
the building was no fault of the prisoners, but the tai'dy 
labors of those who were supplying the lumber. The 
sickness and suffering, which resulted from this state of 
affairs, was rapidly developing to an alarming degree, 
and deaths increased at a rate alarming, considering the 
altogether better general treatment given us, than expe- 
rienced at Belle Island and Sumter. 



168 NINETEEN MONTHS 



CHAPTER XXX. 

Sherman again in motion — Speculations as to his Destination — ^Hemoval 
of Prisoners to Charlotte — Our concealment — ^We leave our Hiding- 
place at Night — Fired upon — Meet two Kebels — Succored by a true 
Union Lady. 

Tediously the days passed by, while in anxious watch- 
ing: we awaited the future movements of Sherman's arm v. 
His almost unopposed occui^ation of Fort McAllister and 
the abandonment of Savannah by the enemy, convinced 
us that he Avas sufficiently strong, and the general bold 
enough, to undertake another tramp northward. 

Our speculations, however, upon the details of his 
subsequent operations, were entirely different from what 
really took place. Every one supposed that, from Sa- 
vannah, he would move directly against Charleston, and 
invest that strong city, after which tedious process he 
would, probably, making his base at the fallen city, march 
into the interior. But this general has proven that a 
large army, as well as a small one, can move without a 
base. 

In the early part of January, 1865, rumors prevailed 
in camp that Sherman was concentrating at Beaufort, 
S. C, a large portion of his forces. This act greatly de- 
ceived the rebel officers, as was apparent in the con- 
versations of the camp-guards. They argued conclu- 
Bively that the "Yankee" general was destined for 
Charlestoru 



A PEISONER OF WAIS. 169 

In the latter part of January, we had later news in 
camp, which, to the rebels, was apparently quite astound- 
ing, namely, to the effect that two columns of " Yankees" 
were moving into South Carolina. Not only the one 
from Beaufort, but another across the Savannah River, 
pursuing a northern but parallel route. It was even 
then a question as to what point Sherman had in view. 

While the exciting news of these operations was com- 
ing in, the prisoners were full of expectation. It was 
hoped that one of our columns would strike Columbia 
in its line of march. Nerved by this hope-, it was grati- 
fying to see the immediate effect upon the prisoners ; 
even the sick were seen about the camps catching up 
every little item of news. It was confidently thought 
that a few weeks more would find them again under the 
shadow of their o:lorious flagf. These feelino;s were bet- 
ter than all the medicine in the world, especially that 
part of the world temporarily known as the Southern 
Confederacv. 

By the middle of February, the rebels were convinced 
that the ''Yanks" were unquestionably striking for 
Columbia ; so they determined to remove the prisoners 
to Charlotte. 

A party of us learning this fact, determined to make 
an effort to escape. Within the camp in closure there 
were two buildings, one of which was used by the Luna- 
tic Asylum. ^ The one which we chose for our purpose 
was two stories high, the upper rooms finished to the 
eaves and extending a portion of the distance with the 
roof Between the highest part of the room, and the 
point of meeting of the two sides of the roof, there was 
a space of several feet perfectly dark. All the rooms 
were finished with hoards instead of plaster. One of 

15 



170 NINETEEN MONTHS 

these boards, sufficiently -large to admit the passage of a 
body, was sawed out by means of a saw-knife, and the 
board again secured in its place, to avoid detection. 

On the 13th of February, the rebels commenced to re- 
move the prisoners. Six hundred in round numbers 
were marched off to Charlotte the first day. The next 
day the rest were to follow. During the same night, 
thirty of us crept into the place of concealment deter- 
mined upon. The following morning, the last batch of 
prisoners, all packed up, were assembled near the gate, 
ready to march, but awaiting the termination of the 
searches by a detail of rebels, to hunt up any " Yanks" 
who might h^ye hid themselves. Every now and then 
Bome unfortunate fellow would be discovered, and drawn 
out of his hiding-place, whereupon the prisoners would 
set up a cry of '' Fresh fish," ''Fresh fish." 

After the rebels were convinced that they had found 
everybody, they started on their journey, and by after- 
noon no sound was heard in the camp. It was conse- 
quently concluded that all had gone. However, it was 
not deemed prudent to come from our hiding-place too 
soon. So for two long days, without food, and suffering 
dreadfully from thirst, w^e remained secreted. On the 
third night, at eleven o'clock, several of us made our 
way down, and, as we passed across the camp, were fired 
upon by two rebel sentries, posted in a conspicuous po- 
sition overlooking the grounds. No one was hurt, and 
we made good our escape over the wall. 

Travelling as rapidly as we could, we made our way 
around towards the eastern edge of the town, and came 
in near the depot. 

As we were walking along, two privates from Hamp* 
ton's cavalry hailed us. 



A PRISONER OF "WAR. l7l 

" Halt, there," said one of them, " What command do 
you belong to ?" 

We promptly halted, and replied, 

" To the Telegraph corps." 

"Ah, you belong to the bombproof department," said 
the rebel, laughing. 

The other, upon both coming up, was very desirous 
to sell us some sugar ; but, as we had no use for it, we 
declined, and went on our way. 

After entering the town, our first move was for the 
house of a lady w^hom we knew to be unquestionably of 
Union sentiments. We approached her door quietly. We 
knocked. The lady promptly responded. It was now 
several hours after midnight, and our sudden appearance 
at such a time somewhat agitated her. 

The door opened cautiously. 

" Who's there ?" the lady whispered. 

" Friends," one of us replied. 

" Are you Union officers ?" again she whispered, half 
in fear. 

" Yes," we replied. 

"Come in, then, quick," again she whispered. 

We went in, and related our story. The lady imme- 
diately gave us something to eat, and hid us away until 
the arrival of Sherman's army. 



172 NINETEEN' MONTHS 



CHAPTER XXXI. 

Tho Occupation of Colanftia — "We are withiu the Cnion Lines — The 
Burning of the Plouse of our Benefactress — Our Efforts on her Be- 
half—Home. 

Ox the I7th of February, we had the pride of wit- 
nessing the advance of the right wing of Sherman's 
army enter the capital of South Carohna. As our men 
marched in, the rebel picket stationed in the city rapidly 
disappeared, pursued for a short distance ; and when as- 
sured tliat our cavahy were in undisputed possession, my 
companions and myself came from our hiding-places, to 
greet the incoming of the long columns of infantry, 
bronzed by long exposure, and as stout and hardy as 
veterans of such magnificent campaigns as Sherman's 
must necessarily have been. 

It would be in vain for me to attempt to describe the 
sensations I felt, when I found myself again surrounded 
by the brave soldiers of the Union. Nineteen months 
in rebel. prisons were a perfect blank in my career, as 
regarded every thing connected with the events of the 
war or the Government. The presence of national troops, 
though long expected, T could now scarcely realize as 
a fiict. The battles and marches which must have 
filled up the interval, I thought, must have been ter- 
rible. There was the Army of the Tennessee, at the 
time of my capture, just consummating its brilliant oper* 



A PRISO^^EK OF WAR. , 173 

ations as^ainst Vicksburs:, now in the heart of South 
Carolina. It seemed impossible that such could be the 
fact. Yet it was true, remote as was its theatre of oper 
ations in July, 18G3. 

As the soldiers passed, a number, witnessing our for- 
lorn appearance, questioned us as to our command, and 
other matters generally asked by soldiers. AYhen Ave 
told them that we were fellow-soldiers, prisoners of war 
just esca23ed from the wretchedness of Southern inhu- 
manity, they displayed their sympathy in the true soldier 
way. They offered us rations, and every thing to make 
us comfortable. In the course of a few minutes after it 
was known we were escaped prisoners, we were the cen- 
tre of a large group, anxious to get a glimpse at us. 

As soon as headquarters were established in the town, 
we reported ourselves, and were provided with uniforms 
and rations. 

Returning: to the house of the ladv who had secreted 
us, we remained with her till the columns again moved. 
During the burning of Columbia, after the evacuation by 
our troops, unfortunately this lady's house was destroyed 
in the conflagration. Myself and companions did all in 
our power to save her proj^erty, but without avail. The 
flames spread, and in the devouring element Ave saAV the 
home of one Avho had been really a friend to us destroy- 
ed. It was now our turn to reciprocate the kindness ex- 
tended to us. By permission of the provost-marshal the 
lady Avas alloAved to accompany the army to Fayetreville^ 
thence to Wilmington ; and before leaving there, I had 
the satisfaction of seeing her comfortably situated Avith 
her rektives. 

From Wilmington I embarked for Fortress Monroe, 
as bearer of dispatches ; Avhich having delivered, I has- 

15* 



174 NINETEEN MONTHS 

tened North to greet once more the friends at home, 
and nan-ate to them the scenes which I have endeavored 
to give in the foregoing pages. 

As a conclusion to this imperfect narrative of my own, 
and the experiences of thousands of others, who have , 
undergone the trials and misery of Southern prisons, I* 
can only hope that the Government will not overlook 
the sufferinsrs which the innocent victims of the traitors' 
hate were brought to endure. We feel some commisera- 
tion for the misguided spirit in which all these gross 
acts of barbarism were committed, and therefore only 
ask for justice. Thousands of lives sacrificed to the 
vindication of the holy principle of the Government and 
the American Constitution is regretted, but still willingly 
made for the great and good ends Avhich have been 
reached ; but lives sacrificed by the wilful act of disap- 
pointed and wicked men sliould not be passed by. Even 
those who have outlived their cruel treatment are de- 
crepit, and with constitutions broken, they have been 
restored, it is true, to their homes, but useless both to 
themselves and to society. 

As I stated in the beginning, my eflforts would not be 
directed to an attempt at literary efiect, but to give a 
simple insight into prison life among the rebels. I feel 
confident that I have kept my j^romise in regard to the 
former ; if I have been equally successful in the latter, my 
labors are amply repaid. 



A PEI30:^TER OF WAS. 175 



LIST OF UXITED STATES OFFICERS, PPJSOXEPtS OF WAE, 

CONFIXED AT COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA. 



The following is a list of the oScers confined at Columbia, South 
Carolina, during the winter of 1884 and 1865, giving name, com 
mand, date, and wliere captured. 

Aldrich, C. S., Capt, 86tli New York Vols., April 20. 1S64, Plymouth, N. 0, 

Austin, J. W., 1st Lt, 5tli Iowa Vols., Nov. 2n, 1S63, Mission Eidge, Ga. 

Alter, J. B,, Capt., Toth Ohio Vols., Aug. IT, 1S64, Jamesvllle, Fla. 

AUebrougb, Wm., Cj^pt.. 51st Pennsylrania Vols., May 12, 1864 Spottsylvania,Va. 

Alger, A. B., Lt. 22d Ohio Battery. Jan. 3. lS6i, Jonesville, Va. 

Avery, W, P., Capt., 132d Xew York Vol< , July 25, 15G3, Xortb Carolina, 

Allinder, W. F., 1st Lt, Tth Tennessee Cavalry, March 24, 1864, Mine City, Tenn. 

Albro, S. A., Lt, 80th IHin..is Vols., May 3, 1868, Rome, Ga. 

Adair, W., Lt, 51st Indiana Vols., 

Adams, John, Lt., SOth Illinois Vols., " " " . 

Allstadt, C. L., Adjt, 54th Xew York Vols., July, 1863, Gettysburg, Pa. 

Ahirn, M., 2d Lt., 10th Virginia Vo;s., Jan. 3, 18G4, MorsSeld, Va. 

Ableit. J. W., 2d Lt, 45th Xew York Vols., July 1, 1863, Gettysburg, Pa. 

Adams, C. A , Capt, 1st Vermont Cavalry, Oct 11, 1?63, Brandy Station, Va. 

Alban, H. H., Capt, 21st Ohio Vols , Sept 25, 1863, Chickamauga, Ga. 

Andrews, H. B., Capt, ITth Michigan Vols., May 12, 1S64, Spottsylvania,Va. 

Apple, H., 1st Lt, 1st Indiana Cavalry, June 9, 1863, Brandy Station, Va. 

Anderson. 

Aller, Abraham. Lt., 16th Illinois Cavalry, Jan 3, 1SG4, Jonesville, Va. 

Abernethy, H. C , 1st Lt, " '• " 

Acker, G. D., Lt, 123(1 Ohio Vols., June 15, 1863, Winchester, Va. 

Adkins, P., Lt, 2d Tennessee Vois., Xov. 6, 1S63, Eogersville, Tenn. 

Asham, A. B., Lt, Tth Michigan Caval^3^ May 11, 18<>4, Yellow Gap, Va, 

Aigan, John, Capt, 5th Rhode Isiand Vols., May 5, 1864, Croton, N. C. 

Adams. J. G. B., 1st Lt, 19th Massachusetts Vols., June 22, 1S64, Petersburg, Vs. 

Ale.Kander. E. P., 1st Lt, 26th MiohiiMn Vols., " « 

Anderson, II M , 1st Lt., 3d Maine Vols . June 20, 1863. Gum Springs, Va. 

Abby, A. L., Ist Lt, 8th Michigan Cavalry, Aug. 5, 1S(>4, Rosswell, Ga. 

Anderson, J. S., Ist Lt, 2d Pennsylvania Vols., June 2, 1864, Gaines Mills, Va. 



176 NINETEEN MONTHS 

Arther, J. A., Capt., Kentucky Cavalry, Aag. 8, 1868, Todd. C. Y., Ky. 

Artherrs, S. C, Capt, 67th Pennsylvania Vols., June 15, 1863, Winchester, Va* 

Allen, S., Capt., 85th New York Vols., April 20, 18U, Plymouth, N. C. 

Adams, S. B., Capt., " " 

Andrews, S. T,Cai)t, 

Andrews, W. li., 1st Lt., 16th Connecticut Vols., April 20, 1SG4, Plymouth, N. G 

Albright, J., Capt., S7rh Pennsylvania Vols., June 15, 1863, Winchester, Ya. 

Abbott, A. A., 2dLt, 1st New York Draijoons, M;iy 7, 1S&4, Wiiderness, Ya. 

Ander>on, Pw. W., 2d Lt., 122d Ohio Vols., June 15, 1863, Winchester, Va. 

Armstrong, T. S., '• " *' " . 

Airy, W., Capt, 15th Pennsylvania Cavalry, Dec. 24, 1863, Dandridge, Tenn. 

Anderson, C. L., 2d Lt, 3d Iowa Vols., July 12, 1863, Jackson, Miss. 

Applegatt, A. S., 2d New York Cavalry, June 12, 1861, Macon, Tenn. 

Allen, Kubert, 2(1 New York Dragoons. 

Adir, M., Capt, 15th Now York Cavalry, May 20, 1863, Front Eoyal, Va. 

Anshutz, H. S., Lt, 12th Virginia Vols,, Jnne 15, 1863, Winchester, Va. 

Adams, H. W., Lt, 29ih Indiana Vols.. Sept 19, 1863, Chickamanga, Ga. 

Austin, G. A., A. Q. M., 14th and 15th Illinois, Oct 4, 1864, Acworth, G.a. 

Albin, 11. S., Lt, 79th Illinois Yols. 

Andrews, E. E , Lt, 22d Michigan Vols. 

Allen, 0. C, Lt, 11 2th Illinois Vols., May 20, 1864, Cap. Station, Ga. 

Belger, James. Capt, 1st P.hode Island Vols., May 16, 1864, Drury's Bluff, Va. 
Baker, S. S., 1st Lt, 6th Missouri Vols., October 29, 1863, Blue Creek, Mo. 
Buf.er, C. P, 1st Lt, 29th Indiana Vols., Sept. 19, 1863, Chickamanga, Ga. 
Baird, J. P., 2d Lt, 1st Virginia Vols., Sept. 11, 1863, Moorefiold, Va. 
Bricker, W. U , 2d Lt, 3d Pennsylvania Vols., August 22, 1863, Durbers, Va. 
Bick, W. C, Capt, 62d Pennsylvania Vols., May 5, 1864, Wilderness, Va. 
Brady, S., Lt, 2(1 New Jersey Cavalry, June 11. 1864, La Grange, Miss. 
Bulver, A., Lt, 8d New Jersey Cavalry, July 6, 18G4, Petersburg, Ya. 
Burdick, C. IL, Capt, 1st Tennessee Cavalry, June 10, 1864. Stilesboro, Ga. 
Bertram, D. S., 2d Lt, 2d Connecticut Vols., July 1, 1863, Gettysburg, Pa. 
Brown, J. A., Capt 85th New York Vols., April 20, 1864, Plymouth, N. 0. 
Bradley, A. B., E. Q. M., 
Butts, L. A., 1st Lt, R. Q. M., 

Brown, G. W., Capt , 101st Pennsylvania Vols., " « 

Benner, H. S., Capt , 101st Pennsylvania Vols., " *• 

Bowers, G. A., 1st Lt, 16th Connecticut Y'ols., " u 

Blakesly, B. F., 2d Lt, 16th Connecticut Vols., " « 

Bruns, H., 2d Lt, 16th Connecticut Vols., " " 

Biiison, E. U., 1st Lt, 103d Pennsylvania Vols., " « 

Burns, S. D., 2d Lt., 103d Pennsylvania Vols., " " 

Bierbower, W., 2d Lt, 87th Pennsylvania Vols., June 16, 1863, Winchester, Va. 
Beagle, D. F., 1st Lieut, 101st Pennsylvania Vols., April 20, 1S64, Plymouth, N. d 
Brion, J. H., 2d Lt, lS4th Pennsylvania Vols., Jane 22, 1S64, Petersburg, Ya, 
Berry, A., Capt, 8d Maryland Cavalry, February 11, 1864, La. 
Bruiting, G., 2dLt, 5th Maryland Vols., June 15, 1863, Winchester, Va. 
Eascomb, E., 1st Lt, 50th N.Y. Vols., April 20, 1864, Plymouth, N. C. 



A PRISOiSrEK OF WAR. 177 

Baldwin, M. R., Capt, 2d Wisconsin Yo^s., July 1, 1S63, Gettysburg, Pa. 

Blake, , 2d Lt, 8d Maine Vols., June 20, 1S63, Aldu, Ya. 

Brown, W. IT , 1st Lt, 93d Ohio Yols., Jan. 17, 1S64, Dandridce, East Tenn, 
Bair.l, J. Y.. Lt. S9tli Oliio Yols.. Sept 20, 1863, Chickamauga, Oa. 
Byron, O., Cu[»t, 8d Ohio Yols., May 3d. 1S63. Rome, Ga. 

Bank.s B. Y, Capt, 13th Kentucky Cavalry, Dee. 14. 1S63, Clynile ^[onnt, Tenn. 
Burch, J., Capt, 42ii Iiidiuna Yol:?., September 20, 1S63, Chickamauga, Ga. 
Baily, G. W., Lt. 3il Ohio YoTs., May 3d, 1363, Rome, Ga. 
Brownnell, F. J., Lt, 51st Indiana Yols., " " 

Booker. A , Lt, 73d Indiana Yols , " " 

Brown, J. L., Lt, 73d Indiana Yols., " '• 

Barlo\r. J. W., Lt, 51st Indiana Yols., " " 

Bath, W., 2d Lt, 132d New York Yols., February 2d, 1S64, Newbern, N. C. 
Binding, II. R., Capt. 61st Ohio Yols., July 2d, 1S63, Gettysburg. Fa. 
Bush, J. G. Ctipt, 16th Illinois C.ivalry, January 3d, 1S64, Jone^viile, Ya. 
Blinn, L. B., Capt, lOOth Ohio Yo's, Sent 3, 1SC3, Lime Stone. Tenn. 
Baldwin. U. A., 1st Lt, 2d New York Yols., May 5, 1864, Wildernes.s, Ya. 
Bastley, R., 2d Lt, Signal Corps, U. S. A. 

Bradley, G , Capt, 2d New York Yols., May 14, 1S61, Spott^ylvan^'a, Ya. 
Brandt C. W, 1st Lt, l^t New York Cavalry, March 10, 1SG4. Keys Ford, Ya. 
Bouten, C. W., Capt, 4th Yennont Yols., June, 23, lS3k Petersburg. Ya. 
Barrett D. M., Capt. S9tli Ohio Yols.. September 20, 158 3, Chic;kam\ag^, Ga. 
Brandt, O. B., Lt, ITth Ohio Yols., September 20, 1S63, Chickamauga, Ca. 
Byers, S. IL M . Lt, 5th Iowa Yols., November 25, 1863, Mission Itidge. Ga. 
Barker, H. P., Lt., 1st Rhode Island Cavalry, June 18, 1863, Middleburg, Ya. 
Boone, S. G., Lt, S8th Pennsylvania Yols., July 1, 1863, Gettysburg, Pa. 
Besbee, L. C.,Lt, 16th Maine Yds., " " 

Besbee, G. D , Capt, 16th Michigan Yols., " " 

Brittan, G. C. Lt, 22d Michigan Yols., September 20, 1S63, Chickamauga, Ga. 
Beeby, 11 E., Lt, 22d New York Cavalry, May 3. 1864, Wilderness, Ya. 
Butler, T. II., Col., 5th Indiana Cavalry, July 31, 1864. Limestone Church, Ga. 
Boen, 0. D., Capt, ISth Connecticut Yols., June 15, 1863, Winchester, Ya. 
Bennett. D., Capt, 22d New York Cavalry, June 29, 1864, Reams Station. Ya. 
Brush, Z. T., 1st Lt, 100th Ohio Yols.. September 8, 1863, Limestone, Tenn. 
Bigley, C. H., 2d Lt , 82d New York Yols., June 22, 1864, Petersburg, Yiu 
Burns, M.,Lt, 13th New York Cavalry, July 6, 1864. Aldu, Ya. 
Bassett M. M., Lt, 53d Illinois Y(ds. July 13., 1833. Jackson, Miss. 
Bostwick, N., Capt, 20th Ohio Yols., June 11, 18^4, Wavellum Station, Ya.. 
Brown, 0. A., Lt, 1st New York Artilleiy, May 18, 1861, White Church. Ya. 
Benson, J. F., Capt, 120th Illinois Yols., Jane 12, 1854, North M ssissippi, Miss. 
Bo^pard, W. R, Lt, 1st New York Yols , May 17, 1864. Spottsylvania, Ya. 
Burns, J.. Lt., 57th Pennsylvania Yols., July 2. 1863, Gettysburg, Pa. 
Barton, J. L.. Lt, 49th Pennsylvania Yols., May 10. 1864, Spottsylvania, Ya. 
Beebe, B. L., Capt., 13th Indiana Yols., May 10, 1864. Drury's Bluff, Ya. 
Buchanan, W., Lt, 76lh New York Yols., May 5, 1S64, Wilderness, Ya. 
Benson, A. N., Capt, 1st D. C. Cavalry, June 27, 1834, Reams Stauon, Ya. 
Barkley, C, Lt, 149th Pennsylvania Yols., July 1, 1863, Gettysburg, P,i. 
BlABM, W., Lt, 43d Ndw York Yols., May 6th,' 18W, WUdtrnest, Ya. 



178 NINETEEN MONTHS 

Bristol, J. IT., Lt, Ist Connecticut Cavalry, May 5, 18G4, "Wilderness, Va. 

Berpee, E. A., Capt, ISth Maine Vols.. June, 1S64, Petersburg, Va. 

Bryant, J, W., Capt, 5tl] New York Cavalry. 

Bubo), H., Capt, 6tli Connecticut Vols., May U, IS'U, Drury's Bluff, Va. 

Bixby, II. L.. Lt, 9th Maine Vols., June 1, 1SG4, Cold Harbor. Vtt. 

Byrns, J. M., Capt, 2a Pennsylvania BifliS, July. 186:5, Geitysburir, Pa. 

Barrett, J. A.. Capt, Ttli Pennsylvania Eiflcs, May 5, 1S6+, TVilderness, Va. 

Bmkiiolder, D. W., Lt. 7th Pennsylvania Kifles, May 5, 1854, " 

Bea'e, E., Capt, 8th Tennessee Vols., April 21, 1S64, Bulls Gap, Tenn. 

Bayard, J. A., Capt, 14Sth Pennsylvania Vols. 

Brunn, S , Lt, SOth Illinois Vols. 

Brad3% W. H., Lt, 2d Delaware Vols., June 22, 1864, Petersburg, Va. 

Brion, J, Lt, 14Sth Penn.sylvania Vols, 

Bishoff, P., Lt, 6th United States Artillery, April 12, 1S64, Fort Pillow. 

Burnett E. W., Lt, 4th Indiana Cavalry. 

Bkir. B. T., Adjutant 123d 01ii(» Vols., June 15, 1863, Winchester, Va. 

Boyce, T. W., Lt, 123d Ohio Vols., 

Breckenridore, F. A., Lt., 123d Ohio Vols., •* " 

Boyed, W. I., Lt, 5th Michigar Cavalry, June 29, 1804, Reams Station, Va. 

Bick, W. C, Capt, 62d Pennsylvania Vols., May 5, 1864. Wilderness, Va. 

Brown, W. L., Lt, 14th Tennessee Vols., October 20, 1S63, Philadelphia, Tenn. 

Burrows, S. W., Lt, 1st New York Cavalry, June 13, 1864, Monterey, Va. 

Brown, T., United States Navy, October 23, 18t)3, Eappnhannock River, Va. 

Beeraan, W. M., Capt, 13th Virginia Cavalry, October 11, 1833, Brandy Sta., Va. 

Boas, E. P.. C.'ipt, 20th Illinois Vols., May 24, 1863. Raymond, Miss. 

Bryan, G., Adjt, 18th Pennsylvania Cavalry, Nov. IS, 1863, Germania Ford, Va. 

Bath. A., Lt, 45th New York Vols., July 1, 1863, Gettysburg, Pa. 

Beadle, M., Lt, 123 New York Vols.. July 2, 1863, 

Bigelow, A. J., Capt, 79th Illinois Vols., September 19, 1863, Chickamauga, Ga. 

Borehes.s, T. F., Lt., 67th Pennsylvania Vols., June 15, 1863, "Winchester, Va. 

Borehess, L. T., Capt, 67th Pennsylvania Vols., Jun e 16. 1863, " 

Brown, G. L.. Lt, 101st Pennsylvania Vols., April 20, 1864, Plymouth, N. C. 

Blanchard, G. A., Capt, S5th Illinois Vols., July 19, 1864. Atlanta, Ga. 

Bradford, John, A. C. S., 4th New Jersey Vols.. Oct. 15, 1863, Chantilly, Va. 

Barns, O. P., Lt, 3d Ohio Vols., May 3, 1863, Rome. Ga. 

Beeman, S., Capt, 3d Michigan Vols., May 5, 1864, Wilderness, Va. 

Brickenhoff, M., Lt, 42d New York Vols., June 22. 1864, Petersburg, Va. 

Barse, George R., Lt, 5th Michigan Cavahy, Oct 19, 1S63, Buckland, Va. 

Bliss, A. T., Capt., 10th New York Cavalry, June 29, 1864, Petersburg, Va. 

Buckly, H., Lt, 4th New Hampshire Vols., May 16, 1864, Bermuda Hundred, Va. 

Bader, H., Lt, 29th Missouri Vols., November 27,1883, Ringgold, Ga. 

Blue, J. G., Lt, 3d Ohio Vols., May 8, 1863, Rome, Ga. 

Bouiihton, S. II., Lt, 71st Pennsylvania Vols., July 2, 1363, Gettysburg, Va. 

Barnes, A. T., Lt, 14th Illinois Battery, October 4, 1834, Acworth, Ga. 

Beasley. J., Lt. 81st Illinois Vols., September 2, 1864, East Point, Ga. 

Baker, H. D., Capt, 120th Illinois, Vols., June 5, 1864. 

Burke, T. F., Capt., 16th Illinois Vols., June 3, 1864. 

Barnei, W. G. * 



A PRISONER OF WAR. 179 

Bennett, "W. F., Capt., 89th Iowa Yol^., Oct. 5, 1S64, Allatoona, Ga. 

Bassett, W. H., 1st Lt., 79tli Illinois Sept. 19tb, 1863, Chickamauga, Ga. 

Botts, W. S., Lt, 10th Wisconsin Yob., Sept 20, 1363, Chickamaoga, Ga. 

Briggs, J., Lt, 123d Illinois Yols., " " 

Bennett, F. T., Lt„ lS:h U. S. I, " « 

Brown, J. P., Lt,, 15th XT. S. L, " ** 

Bryant, M. C, Lt, 421 Illinois Yols., " ** 

Butler, W. O., Lt., 10th Wisconsin Yols. 

Brooks. E. P., Adjc. 

Berrington, A., Lt , 140th New York Yols., Jane 3, 1S64, Cold Harbor, Ya. 

Ballard, S. R, Lt, Cth Mich. Cav., July 2, 1S63, Gettysburg,- Pa. 

Brown, J. H., Capt, ITth Iowa Yols., Oct 13th, 1564, Allatoona, Ga. 

Byron, S., Lt, 2d U. S. L, April 11, 18(54, Callett Station, Ya. 

Blaire, Geo. E , Lt, ITth Ohio Yols., Sept 20, 1S83, Chickamauga, Ga. • 

Bishop, F. P., Lt, 4th Tenn. Cav,, August 15, 1S64, Westport, Ga. 

Coleman, T. S., 1st Lt, 12th Kentucky Cav., Oct 11, 1S63. Sweetwater, Tenn. 

Charlpret, J. F., Capt, 11th Pa. Yols., May 9, 1S64, Wilderness, Ya. 

Call, C. H., Capt, 29ih Illinois Yols., June 23, 1S64, Leciere, Miss. 

Caswell, H,, 2dLt, 91st Illinois Yols., April 19, lSe4, Big Black, Miss. 

Carpenter, R D., 2d Lt, ISth Ct Yols., June 15, 1863, Winchester, Ya. 

Caldwell, C, 2d Lt , 1st Wis. Cav., April 13, 1864, Cleveland, Tenn. 

Cook, A. A., 2d Lt, 9th Ohio Cav., April 13, 1864, Florence, Ala. 

Casdroph, C. H,, 2d Lt, 8th Yirginia Yols., Dec. 19, 1863, Jackson Elver, W. Ya. 

Castler, B. G., Capt, 154th New York Yols., July 1, 1S63, Gettysburg, Pa. 

Cook, J. L., Lt., 6th Iowa Yols., May 14, 1363, Holly Springs, Miss. 

Cusac, L, Capt, 21st Ohio Yols., Sept 20, 1863, Chickamauga, Ga. 

Camfield, S. S., Capt 21st Ohio Yols., *• ' ' 

Cotton, M., " " " 

Comn, Y. L., Lt., 31st Maine Yols., May 7th, 1864, Cold Harbor, Ya. 

Cbandler, G. A, Lt, Sth Maine Yols., July 24, 1383, White Plains, Ya. 

Conn, J. H., Lt., 1st Ya. Cav., April 30, 1863, Bridgeport, Ga. 

Culver, F. B., Lt., 12Sd Ohio Yols., Jane 16, 1863, Winchester, Ya. 

Carutheis, L Q., Lt., 123d Ohio Yols., Mhv 3, 1863, Eaymond, Miss. 

Cildghorn, A. C, Lt, 21st Ohio Yols., Sept 20, 1863, Chickamauga, Ga. 

Carey S. E,, Lt, 13th Mass. Yols., July 3, 1833, Gettysburg, Pa. 

Campbell, L. A., Lt., 152d New York Yols., June 22, 1864, Petersburg, Ya. 

Carnes, W. C, Capt., 2d Tenn. Yols., Nov. 6, 1363, Kogersville, Tenn. 

Center, A. P., " 

Carroile, E.,Lt, 11th Tenn. Yols., Feb. 22. 1864, Lubec, Ya. 

Carr, C. W., Lt, 4th Yirginia Yols., June 23, 1364, Petersburg, Ya. 

Cunningham, J., Lt, 7th Pa. P., May 5, 1364, WilderneiS, Ya. 

Caslett, C, Lt., 115th Pa. Yols. 

Cooper, P., Lt., 7th New York Yols. 

Creurford, C. H., Lt, lS3d Pa. Yols., May 12, 1864, Spottsylvania, Ya. 

Cromack, S. O., Lt, 77th New York Yols., May 6th, 1864, Wilderness, Ya. 

Cornell, H., Lt, 2d Yermont Yols., " '* 

Cornell, C. H., Lt, 95th New York Yds,, May 5th, 1S64, Wilderneaa, Ya. 



180 NINETEEN MONTHS 

Cutter, 0. H., Lt, 95th New York Vols., May 1S64, Wilderness, Va. 
Crasey, G. "W,, Lt., 35th Mass. Vols., May 24, 1864, North Anna Kiver, ViL 
Chute, E. A., Lt, 59th Mass. Vols. " « " 

Cross, n. M., " u u u « 44 

Chapin, TI. A., Lt, 95th New York Vols., May 5, 1864, Wilderness, Va. 
Clyder, J., Capt., T6th " ** « 

Cahill, W., Lt, " ♦' " " 

Crtsler, J. L, Lt, " " **' 

Chisrnan, H., Lt, 7th Ind. Vols., May 16, 1864, Wilderness, Va. 
Ct)(>per, A.. Lt, 12th New York Cav., April 20, IS64, Plymouth, N. C. 
Cribben, H., Lt, 140th New York Vols., June 2, 1864, Cold Harbor, Va. 
Curtis, G-. M., Lt, 

Caldwell, J. S., Lt, 16th Illinois Vols., June 3, 1864, Jonesville, Va. 
Caslin, C. J., Lt, 151st New York Vols., Nov. 29, 1868, Mine River, Va. 
Crossly, L., Lt, 118th Pa. Vols,, June 2, 1864, Mechanicsville, Va. 
Chenncy, C. R., Capt, 34th Mass. Vols., July 22, 186 i, Atlanta, Ga. 
Carlisle, L. B., Lt, 145th Pa. Vols., June 16, 1864, Petersburg, Va. 
Conner, S, D., Capt, 125ih Illinois Vols., Sept 21, 1863, Chickamauga, Ga. 
Cole, O. L., Lt, 54tli Illinois Vols.. Sept 20, 18G3, Chickarnaiigi, Ga. 
Cane, J. H., Lt., 140th New York Vols., July 1, 18G3, Gettysburg, Pa. 
Cassell, E. F., Lt, 11th Iowa Vols., July 22, 1864, Atlanta, Ga. 
Chambers, J. IL, Lt, 103d Pa, Vols., April 20, 1S64, Plymouth, N. C. 
CottinghauQ, E , Lt, 35th Ohio Vols., Sept 2')th, 1S63, Chickamauga, Ga. 

Cod.Ungton, J. P,, Lt, 8th Iowa Vols.. July 30, 1864, M • , Ga. 

Cole, A. F., Capt, 59th New York Vols., June 22, 1864, Petersburg, Va. 
Curtis, W. M., Adjt.- 19th Mass. Vols., " " 

Clark, J. W., Lt, 59th New York Vols , May 12, 1S64, Spottsylvania, Va. 
Case, D. S., Adjt, 102d New York Vols., July 22, 1864, Atlanta, Ga. 
Clark, J. H., Lt, 1st Mass. Art, May 19, 1864, Spottsylvania, Va. 
Cope, J. D., Lt, 116th Pa. Vols., June 22, 1S64, Petersburg, Va. 
Corse, J. W., Lt, 6tli Va. Cav., June 26, 1SG4, Springfield, Va. 
Coulter, W J., Lt, 15th Mass. Vols., June 22, 1304, Petersburg, Va. 

Culburtson, W. M,, Lt, SOih Indiana Vols,. Se{)t 19, ISOo, Chickamauga, Ga. 

Casey, J., Lt, 42d New York VoiS., June 22, 1S64, Peter.-burg, Va. 

Carter, W, H,, Lt, 5th Pennsylvania Vols., May 10, 1864, Spottsylvania, Va. 

Chittenden, J. S,, Lt, 5th Indiana Cavalry, July 31, 1SC4, Sunshine Church, Ga. 

Cowney, W. H,, Lt., 69th New York Vols., June 22, 1864, Petersburg, Va. 

Cameron, P., Lt, 16th New York Cavalry, Feb. 22. 1864, Leesburg, Va. 

Campbell, W. S., Lt, 51st Pennsylvania Vols., May 12, l.%4. Spottsylvania, Va, 

Cameron, J. F,, Lt., 5th Indiana Cavalry, Jane 29, 1SS4, Petersburg, Va. 

Carr. J. P,, Capt, 93(1 Indiana Vols., June 12, 1864, Selema, Miss. 

Cleg^, M., Lt, 5th Indiana Cavalry. Ju y 31, 1S64, Clinton, Ga. 

Curtis, II. A., Lt, 15Tth New York Vols., Ju\v 1, 1863, Gettysburg, Pa. 

Coffin, J. A , " '' " " 

Collins, W. A., Capt., 10th Wisconsin Vols., Sept 20, 1803, Chickamauga, Ga. 

Crocker, G. A., Capt and A. A, L G. Jst Cav. Div., Oct 11, J868. Brandy Sea., Yi 

Carlisle, J. B., Lt, 2d Virginia Cavalry, Sept 11, 1S63, Sniim Co., Va. 

Christopher, W., Lt, 2d Virginia Cavalry, July 4, 1S63, Raleigh, Va. 



A PKISO^'ER OF WAR. 181 

Chandler, G. W., Lt. 1st Yirginia Cavalry, July 2. 1S63. Gettysburg. Pa. 
Chatburn, J., Lt., 150th Pennsylvania Vols.. July 1, 1S63, Getrysburg. Pa, 
Childs. J. n., Lt, 16th Maine Vols., July 1, IS'Ja, Gettysburg. Pa. 
Chase, H. Pv., IstLc, Isc ^Visjonsi:i Artillery, June 28, ISdi. Petersburg, Ya. 
Conover, W. H., Lt., 22a Xevv York Cavalry, Jnuft 9, 1S64, Turner's Brulne. Ya. 
Clark, J. A., CapL, Tih Mich gan Cava ry. March 2, 1S04, Mechaniesville. Ya. 
Cook, W. B., Ll. 14 'th PenjK-ylvania Yo's., July 2d, 1S63, Gettysburg, Pa. 
CaleC B. S , Ll, 2d U. S. S S.. May 5. 1S64. Wilderness, Ya. 
Cook, E. F., Major, 2d New York Cavalry, March 3, 1S64 Stevensville, Ya, 
Cook. H. P., Capt, and A. A. G.. May 7. 15d4, Wildernes?, Ya. 
Crocker, H.,Lt., 1st Xew Jersey Cavalry. June 9. 1S63. Brandy Station. Ya. 
Camp, T. B., Capu, 52d Penasylvaraa Yols., July 3, 1S64, For: Juhnson, 5. C. 
Clark, S., Capt 

Chapin, H. C, Capt, 4th Yermont Yoh.. June 23, 1S64. Petersburg, Ya, 
Cunningham. J. B., Lt Col , 52d Penn. Yo:s , July 3, l^(>4, Fort Johnson. S. C. 
Christopher. J., Capt, 16th United States Inf., Sept 19, lS6o, Chickamauga, Ga. 
Corcoran. N A., *' *' " " 

Causten, M. C, Lt, « " 2"', " 

Chubbuch, D. B.. Lt, 19th Massachusetts Yols., June 22, 1561 Petersburg, Ya. 
Carpenter, S. D., Lt, 3d Ohio Yols., May 3, 1383, Pome, Ga. 
Curley, A A , Capt, T3d Indiana Yols., " " 

Connelly, E. L, Lt., « " " 

Cartwright A. G., Capt, Soth New York Yols., April 20,1864, Plymouth, N. C. 
Clark. M. L, ^apt, 101st Pennsylvania Yds., " " 

Comphor, A, •' « « « 

Clapp, J. B., Adjt, 16th Connecticut Yo^s,, " ** 

Case, A. G., Lt, 

Craky, E, G., Capt, 103d Pennsylvania Yols., " " 

Coates, H. A., Capt, Soth New York Yols., " " 

Crooks, S. J.. Col, 224 New York Cavalry, June SO. 1S?>4. Beam's Station, Ya 
Case, F. S.. Capt, 2d Ohio Yols., June 29, lS6t Beam's Station, Ya. 
Cutter, J., Capt, S4:h Ohio Yols., July IS, 1S63, Wytheville, Ya. 
Couchlin. 

Cord, T. A, Lt, 19th United States Infantry, Sept. 2n, 1S63, Chickamauga, Ga. 
Cohs, F., Lt., ISth Connecticut Yols., June 15, 1S63, Winchester. Ya. 
Cloadt Capt, 119th New York Yols., July 1, 1S63, Gettysburg, Pa, 
•Calkins, W. W., Lt. 104th Illinois Yols., Sept 20, 1S6S. Chickamauga, Ga. 
Craig. J., Capt, 1st Yirginia Yols , Sept. 20, 1S63. Morefield, Ya. 
Cai ville, J., Capt, 5th IMichigan Yols.. June 22, 1S64, Pett r.-burg, Ya. 
Crossley. T. J.. Lt, 5Tth Pennsylvania Yols.. Ju'y 2, 1S63. Gettysburg, Pa. 
Cohen, M., Lt , 4th Kentu-ky Yols., Sept 21, 156?, Stevens Gap. Ky. 
Copeland, J., Capt, 7th Ohio Yols., Nov. 6, 1S63. Rogersville, Tenn. 
Curtis. Pw , Lt., 4th Kentucky Yols., Sept 21, 1S63. Stevens Gap. Ky. 
Clements, J , Lt., 15th Kentucky Yo s., June 29. iStvB. Jack-on. Mi.-s. 
Cal.l weli, D. B , Lt , 75rh Oiiio YoN., July 2. 1S6^3, Getrysburg, Pa. 
Cubison. J., Lt, Mst Pennsylvania Yois., April 2J, lSd4, Plymouth, N. C. 
Crawford, II. P., Capt 
Chas€, E. E, Capt, Ist Ehode Uland Cavalry, June, 1S63, Middleburg, Ya. 

16 



182 NINETEEN MONTHS 

Coffin, G. A., AdjL, 29th Indiana Vols.. Sept 19, 1S63, Chickamanga, Ga. 
Cochran, T. G., Lt, 77th Penn.-yl vania Vo^s., *' " 

Conrad, W. R, Capt, 25th Iowa Vols., May 21 1S63, Raymond. Miss. 
Cox, J. L., Capt, 21st Iliinois Yois., Sept 21, 1S63, Chickamauga. Ga. 
Carpenter, J. Q, Lt, lOSth Pennsylvania Vols., July 1, 1S63, Gettyj^barg, Pa. 
Copeland, W. A., Lt, 10th Michigan Vols , Oct 19, 1S64, Ringgold. Ga. 
Cuniffe,H., Lt, 13th Illinois Vols., Nov. 24, 1S63, Lookout M«/untain, Ga. 
Carpenter, E., Capt, 6th Pennsylvania Cavalry, May 7, 1561, Todd^s Tavern, Vft. 

Day, J. W., Lt, 14th Massachusetts Vols., Feb. 1, 1 S64, Newbern, N. C. 

Datnrell, W.,Lt, 13th Massachusetts Vols, May 21, 1SG4. Spottsylvania, Va. 

Deering, G. A., Lt, 16tli Maine Vols., July 1, 1S63, Gettysburg, Pa. 

Dufer, T. J.,Lt, 5th Michigan Cavalry, Oct 10, 1S6;3, Eobinsou Elver, Va. 

Dickerion, A. A.,Lt., 16th Connecticut Vols., April 20, 1S54, Plymouth, Va. 

Donaghy. J., Capt, ]08d Pennsylvania Vols , " " 

Davis, VT. G , Lt, 27th Ma^s:ichu;etts Vols., May 16, 1S64, Drury's Bluff, Va. 

Day, A. P., Lt. 15th Connecticut Vols , April 20, 1564, Plymouth. Va. 

Derous, J. H., Major, 13th Pennsylvania Cavalry, June 24, 1564, Malvern Hill, Va, 

Daniels, E. S., Capt, S5th United States Inf mtry, M^y 23, 1S64. Florida. 

Dietz, Henry, Capt, 45th New York Vo.s.. July 1, 1S63, Gettysburg, Pa. 

Dody, C. C, Capt, 30th Michigan Vols.. June 2, 1S64. Mechanicsville. Va. 

Daffenbooh. A., Lt, 73d Pennsylvania Vol.^., Nov. 23, 1S63, Mission Ridge, Ga. 

De\vee.«, T B., Lt, 2d United Stttes Cavalry, June 9, 15C3, Brandy Station, Va. 

Dooly, A. T., Lt, 51st Indiana Vols , May 3, 1563. Rome, Ga. 

Doroning, O. J., Capt, 2d New York Cavalry, May 12. 1-64, Richmond, Va. 

Denny, W. N., Capt, 51st Indiana Vols., May 3, 1S63, Rome, Ga. 

Delano. J. A., Lt, " " " 

Davis, V. P., Lt, 143d Ohio Vo^s., June 15, 1S63, Winchester, Va. 

Derrickson, J. G., Capt, 66th New York Vols., June 22, 1S64, Petersburg, Va. 

Dean, S. A., Lt, 145th Pennsylvania Vols,, " 16, " « 

Dailey, "W. A., Capt, Sth Pennsylvania Cavalry, Oct 12, 1S63, Sulphur Springs, Va. 

Davis, C. G., Lt., 1st Massachusetts Cavalry. 

Domschkee. B., Capt, 26th Wisconsin Vols.. July 1, 1S63, Gettysburg, Pa. 

Dennis, J. B., Capt, 7th Connecticut Vois.. July 17, 1SG4, Petersburg, Va. 

Davis, L. R.. Capt., 7th Ohio Vols. 

Drake, L., Lt, 22d Michigan Vols., Sept 20, 1563, Chickaniauga, Ga. 

Dutton, W. G., Lt., 67th Pennsylvania Vols.. June 16, 1563, Winchester, Va. 

Dillam, C. D., Lt., 7rh Iowa Vols., July 13, 1563, Corinth. Miss. 

Drenan, J. S., Lt, 1st Vermont Artillery, June 20, 1 5*>4> Petersburg, Va. 

Dean, T., Lt., 5th Michigan Cavalry, Oct. 10, 1563, James City, Va. 

Dunn, J.. Lt, 164th New York Vols., June 3, 1664, Coal Harbor, Va. 

Dunning, E J., Lt, 7th New York Artillery, June 22, 1S64, Petersburg, Va. 

Davinport, J. F., Capt. 75th Ohio Vols., Aug. 17, 1564, Gains ville, Ga. 

Davis, H. C, Capt, ISth Connecticut Vols., June 15, 1563, Winchf-ster, Va. 

Davis. T. C, Lt., 35th Illinois Vols., Sept 20, 1563. Chickamauga, Ga. 

Dirlam, C. G , Capt, 72d Ohio Vols., June 12, 1S64, Ripley, Miss. 

Doughton, O. G., Lt, 111th Ohio Vols., Sept. 8, 1563, Jonesboro, Tenn. 

Day, A. E., Capt, 3d Maine Vols., June 20, 1S63, Gum Springs, Va. 



^ A PEISONER OF V^AR. 183 

Donavan. J., Lt. 2d Xew Jersey Vols.. May 6. 1S54, TTildoness, Va. 
Dasbrow. W.. Capt, 40tli Xew T<>rk Vols.. May 12. 1SG4. >pottsylvania, Va. 
Dyer, E B., Lt , 1st Conneccicut Cavalry. June 29, ISdi Ream's Station, Va. 
Dinsmore, E , Capt,, 5th Pennsylvania Vols., Oct 13, 1S63, Auburn, Va. 
Duzenberg. A.. Capt,. Soth New Jersey Vols, Jnly 22, 1364, Decatur, Ga. 
Dorris, W. C, Lt. 111th Illinois Vols , July 22, 1364, Atlanta, Ga. 
Dodge, H. G., Lt, 2d Pennsylvania Vols., June 24, 1864, Virginia. 
Dixon, L., Lt.llUth Ne\v York Vols.. July 1 1363. Gettysburg, Pa. 
Dunn, M . Major, 19th Massacbuseits Vols.. June 22, 1S64, Petersburg, Va. 
Doane, E. B., Capt , Sth Iowa Vols., July 30, 1364. Marian, Ga, 
Davidson, J. H., Lt, 6th New York Artillery, Oct 11, 1363. Brandy Station, Va. 
Drake, J. W., Lt, 136th New York Vols , July 3, 1363, Gettysburg, Va. 
DoAvns, a, Lt, 33d New York Vols., July 20, 1354, Atlanta, Ga. 

Davis, J W.. Lt, 115th New V-rk Vols.. Feb. 20, 1864. Point, Ga. 

Daren. J.,Lt. New Hampshire Vols.. June 3, 1S64. Cold Harbor, Va. 

Dushane, J. M.. Capt. 142d Pennsylvania Vols., July 1, IS'33, Gettysburg, Pa. 

Davis, W. n.. Capt, 4 h Maryland Vols., May 5, 1364. Wilderness, Va. 

Dercks, C. S F., 1st Middle Tennessee Vols., June 26, 1863. Davidson, Ga. 

Devine, J. S.. Lt, Tlst Pennsylvania Vols,, July 3, 1363. Gettysburg, Pa. 

Diemer, M , Lt, 10th Missouri Volunteers, May 16, 1S«>3, Jackson, Miss. 

Dingley. F., Lt. Tth Phode Ldand Vols , July 13, 186:3, " 

Durfee, W. II., Lt, 5th Phode Island Vols.. May 5, 1364, Croton, N. C. 

Durbaym. G, Lt. 66:h New York Vols., June 17, 13l>4, Petersburg, Va. 

Donoliey, G. B., Capt, Tth Pennsylvania ELties, May 5 1364, Wilderness, Va, 

Dilfenbuch, W. H., Lt '* " " 

De L.sy. E., Lt , 3d Iowa Cavalry. 

Demmick, C. TV., 11th New Hampshire Vols., June 17, 1564. Petersburg, Va. 

Drake, C. H., Lt, 142d Pennsylvania Vols., July 1, 1363, Gettysburg, Pa. 

Dygert, KL S., Capt, 16th Michigan Vols., " 3, « " 

Dick, L , Lt, 72d Ohio Vols., June 11, 1834. Eipley, Miss. 

Davis, S. B.. Capt, 93d Iniiatia Vols., June 11, 1364, Salem, Miss. 

Dillen, F. W., Capt, 1st Kentucky Cavalry, May 25, 1863, Fishing, Ky. 

Dahl, O. B., Lt, 15th AVisconsia Vols;, Sept, 2J, 1863, Chickamauga, Ga. 

Dickey, M. V, Lt, 94th Ohio Vols., »• « ^ 

Davis, Byron, Lt, 71st Pennsylvania Vols., July 2, 1363, Gettysburg, Pa. 

Day, E., Capt., 89ih Ohio Vols., Sept. 20, 1863, Chickamauga, Ga. 

Dutton, G. A.. Lt-, 22d Michigan Vols., " « 

Dickerson, E., Lt, 44th Wisconsin Vols., Oct 5, 1864. Allatoona, Ga. 

Dirmand, J., Lt., 16th United States Infantry, Sept 19, 1363, Chickamauga, Ga. 

Dunn, H. C, Lt, 10th Kentucky Vols., " 

Drescott, D., Lt, 24th Missouri Vols., Oct 12. 1864. Tilton, Ga. 

Davis, E. G.. Lt., 44th liiinois Vols., Sept 20, 1863, Chickamauga, Ga. 

Duggan, J., Lt, .35th Indiana Vols. 

Dow, H. G., Lt, 4th :Mas5achusetts Cavalry, Oct 2, 1864, Magnolia. 

Everett, Chas., Lt, 70th Ohio Vols., Aug. 26, 1S64, Atlanta, Ga. 

Eastman, F. E,, Lt , 2d Pennsylvania Cavah-y, June 22, 1S64, St M. Church, Va. 



184 NINETEEN MONTHS 

% 

Elkins, J. L. F., Adjt., 1st New Jersey 7ols., May 6, 1S64, Wilderness, Ta. 
Eastir.ond, 0., Capt., 1st North Carolina Vols., April 20, 1S64, Plymouth, N 0. 
Evans, T. E., Lt., 52d Pennsylvania Vols, July 3, IfiGi. James Island, S. 0. 
Eaestone, J. W., Lt, l-3th Iowa Vols., July 22, 1864, Atlanta, Ga. 
Ellinwood, W. B., Lt., 10th Wisconsin Vols., St-pt. 20, I8C-3, Cbick.-i manga, Ga. 
Edwards, I) C, Lt., 2d Maryland Vols.. January 4, 1S64, Burlii.gton. Va. 
English. 1)., Major, 11th Kentucky Cavalry, July 31, 1S64. Siinf^liiiie Church, Va. 
Elder, S. S., Capt., 1st U. S. Artillery, June 24, 1364, Petorsburs, Va. 
Ekirigs, T. K., Lt., New Jersey Vols.. May 8, 1S64. Spott.<ylvania Va. 
Evans, B. W., Capt, 4th Ohio Vols.. May 6. 1864, Wildt^rness. Va. 
Erickson, J. H., Lt. 57th New York Vols., Oct 14tl), 1563, Bristow, Va. 
Eaverhearr, IL H., Capt, 120th Oliio Vols., May 24, 1863, Eaymond. Miss. 
Eagan, M., Capt, 15th Virginia Vols., May 19, 1864, Meadows Bluff. Vu. 
Evans, N. C, Capt, 184th Pennsylvania Vols, June 22, 1S64, Petersburg, Va. 
Eglin, A. li., Capt, 45th Ohio Vols., November 15, 1363. Knoxvilie, Tenn. 
Ewing, M., Capt., 21st Wi^consin Vols., Sept 20, 1863, Cbickau)auga. Ga, 
Eagan, John, Capt, 1st U. S. Artillery, July 1, 1864, Peam'.-^ Station, Va. 
Elder John, Capt, Sth Illinois Vols., July 22, ISGl, Atlanta, Ga. 
Edwards, T. D., Chief Engineer U. S. N., April 20, 1864, Plymouth, N. C. 
Edmiston, S., Lt , 89th Ohio Vols., September 20, 1863, Chickamauga, Ga. 

Flick, M., Lt, 6Tth Pennsylvania Vols., June 15, 1S63, Winchester, Va. 

Fritz, J., Lt, 11th Tennessee Vols., February 22, 1864, Tulee, Tenn. 

Fay, S. A., Lt., 55th New York Vols., April 20, 1SG4, Plymouth, N. C. 

FrostC. W., Lt, 

Freeman, D. W. D., Capt, 101st Penn. Vols., April 20, 1804, Plymonth. N. 0. 

Fish, J. E., Capt, 2d Mass. Heavy Art, " " 

Fish, O. M., Lt, " . " " 

Fluke, A. L , Lt, 103d Pennsylvania Vols., « " 

Fuhs, J., Capt, 8Tth " « " 

Foot, M. C, Lt., 92d New York Vols., 

Fontaine, J, Lt, 73d Pennsylvania Vols., November 25, 1863, Mission Ridge, p-a 

Fairbanks, J., Lt, T2d Ohio Vols., June 12, lSv;4, Salem, Miss. 

Follett, Vv'. IL, Lt, 2d Massachusetts Vols., Nov. 22, 1S63, Chancellors ville, Va. 

Fry, Alfred, Lt, 73d Indiana Vols , May 3, 1863. 

Fish, G. W., Lt, 3d Ohio Voks., May 3, 1863, Pome, Georgia. 

Frazier, J., Col, 140th Pennsylvania Vols., June 22, 1864, Petersburg, Va. 

Flemming, C. R., Maj., 1st Vermont Heavy Art., June 23, 1864, Petersburg, Va. 

Foster, J. W., Capt, 42d Illinois Vols., Sept. 2^, 1863, Chickamduga, Ga. 

Fale.s, J, M.. Lt, 1st Rhode Island Cavalry, June IS, 1863. Mid.lleburg, Va. 

Finney, G. E , Lt, 19th Indiana Vols., May 5. 1864. Wilderness, Va. 

Fowler, J. IT., Lt, 100th Ohi.) Vole-, St^piember S, 1863, Limestone, Tenn. 

Fox. G. B., M;ij,, 75th Oliio Vols., August 17, 1864. Gainesville, Ga. 

Farr, W. V., Capt, 106th Pennsylvania Vols., June 22, l.>64. Petersburg, Va. 

Forbes, W. H., Maj., 2d Mas.sachusetts Cavalry, July 6, 1864, Alldee, Va. 

Fort, E. W., Capt, 9Lh Minnesota Vols., June 11, 1864, Salem, Miss. 

Ferris, J. M , Lt, 8d Michigan Vols., June 1,' 1864, Gaines Mills, Va. 

Fairchild, H., Lt, 10th Wisconsin Vols., September 20, 1863, Chickamauga, Ga. 



*' A PEISONER OF WAR. 185 

Funk, J. W., Capt, 39th New York Vols., May 10, 1864, Spottsylvania, Ya. 

Faye, E. M., Lt, 42d New York Yo'is., May 12, ]864, " 

Fungerson, J.. Lt, 1st New Jersey Vols , " " • 

Flannery, D. F., Lt., 4tli New York Yols. " " 

Fowler, H. M., Lt, loth New Jersey Vols., " " 

Fisk, W. M., Cap-., 73a New York Vols., May 6, 1S64, Wilderness, Ya. 

Fluger, G. M., Lt , 11th Pennsylvania Kifles, May 5, 1864, Wilderness, Ya. 

Fagan,C. A, 

French, IL, Lt., 3d Yermont Yols., " " 

Francis, J. L., Capt., 135th Ohio Yols., July 3, 1864, « 

Field, A., Capt, 94th New York Yols , July 3, 1863, Gettysburg, Pa. 

Fritchy, A. W., Lt, 20th Missouri Yols., Nov. 26, 1S63, Mission Eidge, Ga. 

Fortescue, L. Pw., Lt, 29th Pennsylvania Yols., July 4, 1S63, Emmettiburg, Md. 

Fellows, M., Lt, 149tb Pennsylvania Yols., July 1,1863, Gettysburg, Md. 

Fisher, R., Lt, ITth Missouri Yols, November 27, 1863, Einggold, Ga. 

Fenn.r, W., Lt, 2d Ehode Island Cavalry, July 2d, 1863, Port Iludsou, La. 

Fox, J. D., Lt, 16Lh Illinois Yols., January 3, 1364. Jonesville, Ya. 

Fritz, C, Lt, 24th Illinois Yols,, September 20, 1S63, Chickamaugn, Ga. 

Fisher, L. W., Lt, 4th Yermont Vols., June 23, 1864, Petersburg, Ya. 

Fatzer, S., Lt, lOSth New York Vols., June 17, 1864, " 

Fontaine, E. W., Lt, 7th Pennsylvania Pvities, May 5, 1864, VTildemess, Ya, 

Flainsburg, D., Capt, 4tli Indiana Battery. 

Forney, D., Lt, 30ih Ohio Vols., July 22, 1864, Atlanta, Ga. 

Fisher, S., Lt, 93d Indiana Vols., August 11, 1864, Salem, Miss. 

Fiedler, J., Assistant Topographical Engineers, Jonesboro, Ga. 

Finney, D. S., 14th and 15th Illinois Yt Battery, October 4, 1S&4, Acworth, Ga. 

Fairfield, O. B..Lt, S9th Ohio Vols., September 20. 1S63, Chickamauga, Ga. 

Filzpatrick, L., 146th New York Vols., May 5, 1H64, Wilderness, Ya. 

Freeman, IL B , Lt ISth United States Infantry, Sei>t 19, 1863, Chickamauga, Ga, 

Foster, II. H., Lt, 23d Indiana Vols., June 21, 1864, Atlanta, Ga. 

George, G. J., Lt, 40th Illinois Vols , Juue 29, 1.864, Kenesaw, Ga. 

Gillespie, J. B., Capt, 120th Illinois Vols., June 12, 1864, Northern Mississippi. 

Gunn, F. N., Lt, 21st Kentucky Volunteers. 

Gilbert, E. C, Capt, 152d New York Vols., June 22, 1864, Petersburg, Ya. 

Gill, A. H., Capt, 4th New York Volunteers, May 6, 1864, Wilderness, Ya. 

Grebble, C. E., Lr., Sth Michigan Cavalry, November 18, 1863, Knoxville, Tenn. 

Green, J. II., Lt, 100th Ohio Vols., September 8, 1863, Limestone, Tenn. 

Golshall, J., Adjt, 55th Pennsylvania Vols., May 16, 1864. Drury's Biuff, Ya. 

GodowD, J. M , Lt, 12th Maryland Vols., July 12, 1864, Atlanta, Gju 

Grover, J. E , Lt, 6lh Indiana Cavalry, September 16, 1863, Beans Station, Tenn. 

Gayer, IL, Lt, 133d Virginia Vols., Scj>tember 12, 1863, Ccntreville, Ya. 

Gatch, O. C, Cai)t, 89th Ohio Vols., September 20, 1863, Chickamauga, Ga. 

Gross, J. M., Capt, 18th Kentucky Vols., « " 

Gulbraith, IL E., Capt, 22d Michigan Vols., " « 

Goatz, J., Capt, " '« »* 

Gray, W. L.,Capt, 151st Pennsylvania Vols., July 1, 1863, Gettysburg, Pa. 

Gross, C. M., Lt, 110th Ohio Vols., June 15, 1863, Winchester, Ya. 



186 NINETEEN MONTHS 

Grant, G-. W.,Lt., 88th Pennsylvania Vols., July 1, 1S63, Gettysburg. Pa. 

Grant, II. D., Lt, llTiii New York Vols., May 16, 1S64, Drury's Bluff, Va. 

Grey, 11. H., Lt., 15th United States Infantry, Sept. 20, 1863, Cliickainauga, Ga. 

Gari.ss, J. A., Adjt.. 1st M:iryland Cavalry, June 9, 1863, Brandy Station, Va, 

Gates, A. L.^ Lt., 10th Wisconsin Vols., September 20, 18C3, Chickamanga, Ga. 

Goodwin, J. A., Lt., 1st Massachusetts Cavalry, May 10, 1864, Beaver Dam, Va. 

Gamble, G. II., Adjutant, 8th Illinois. 

Gates, E. C, Lt, ISth U. S. Infantry, September 20, 1863, Chickamauga, Ga. 

Gilmore, J. A., Lt., 79ih New York Vols., July 10, 1863, Jackson, Miss. 

Gamble, IL, Lt., T3d Indiana, May 3, 1863, Eouic, Ga. 

Grant, E., Capt, 1st Wisconsin Cavalry, June 29, 1S64, Stony Creek, Va. 

Granger, C. M.Lt., 88th New York Vols., June 22, 1864, Petersburg, Va. 

Goodrich, J. A.. Adjt, 85th New York Vols., April 20, 1864, Plymouth, N. C. 

Glozier, ^Y. W., Lt.. 2d New York Cavalry, October 10, 1S63, Bickland Mills, Va. 

Goodin, A., Lt., 85lh Ohio Vols., July 3, 1863, Gettysburg, Pa. 

Gordon, C. O., Lt, 1st Michigan Cav., June 24, 1SG4, St Mary's Church, Va. 

Green, E. H., Capt, lOTth Pennsylvania, May 21st, 1864, Spott^iylvania, Va. 

Gimber, II. W., Capt, 159th Pennsylvania, July 1, 1SC3, Gettysburg, Pa. 

Gil man, Lt, 3d Maine Vols., June 20, 1S63, Alldie,* Va. 

Gottland, C, Lt.. 134th New York Vols , July 1, 1863, Gettysburg, Pa. 

Gettman, D., dpt, 10th New York Cavalry, June 9, 1863. Brandy Station, Va. 

Griffin, II. G., Lt, 112th Illinois, November IS, 1863, Knoxvllle,Tenn. 

Gordon, E., Lt, 81st Indiana, September 20, 1863, Chickamaug;% Ga. 

Geasland, S. A., Lt, 11th Tenn. Cavalry, Feb. 22, 1864, Cumberland Gap, Tenn. 

Gay, F. C, Lt, 11th Pennsylvania Vols, July 1, 1863, Gettysburg, Pa. 

Green, C. W., Lt, 44th Indiana Vols, September 22, 1863, Chickamauga, Ga. 

Goss, J. W., Lt., 1st Massachusetts Artillery, June 22, 1864, Petersburg, Va. 

Grafton, P., Capt, 64th Ohio Vols., September 20, 1863, Chickamauga, Ga. 

Gates, J., Capt, 33d Ohio Vols., " 

Grant, A., Capt, 19th Wisconsin Vols., July 23, 1S(>4, Petersburg, Va. 

Green, G. W., Capt, 19th Indiana Vols., July 1, 1863, Gettysburg, Va. 

Goodrick, A. L., Capt, Sth New York Vols., June 29, 1864, Stony Creek, Va. 

Gamble, S. B., Lt, 63d Pennsylvania, Jaly 19, 1863, Harper's Ferry, Va. 

Garheit, D., Lt, 7Tth Pennsylvania, Sept 19, 1863, Chickamauga, Ga. 

Good, T. G., Lt, 1st Indiana Cav., June 9, 1863, Brandy Station, Va. 

Gordon, H. M., Lt, 14od Pennsylvania, May 5, 1864, Wilderness, Va. 

Gray, P., Lt, 77ih Pennsylvania, Sept 19. 1863, Chickamauga, Ga. 

Gallagher, J., Lt., 4th Vermont Vols., June 23, 1864, Petersburg, Va. 

Galloway, L. J., Capt, A. D. C. 

Green, E. A., Lt, 81st Illinois Vols. 

Green, J. L., Capt 

Goove, W. A., Lt, 3d Massachusetts Cavalry. 

Grant S,, Lt., 6th Michigan Art, Nov. 8, 1863. 

Griffin, T.,. Adjt, 55th U. S. I. 

Goove, J. B., Lt, 115th Illinois Vols., Sept 24, 1863, Lookout Mountain, Tenn, 

Gross, T. E., Lt, 21st Illinois Vols., Sept 20, 1853, Chickamauga, Ga. 

Gorelon, G. C, Capt, 24th Michigan Vols., July 1, 13G3, Gettysburg, Pa. 

Gishardt, Lt, 24th Illinois Vols., Sept. 20, 1863, Chickamauga, Ga. . 



A PRISONER OF WAR, 187 

Gageby, J. H., Lt, lOth U. S. I., Sept. 20, 1863, Chickaraanga, Ga. 

Gutjahr, Capt, 16Lh lliiiiois Cav., May 12, 1S64 Dulton, Ga. 

Galloway, Lt., 15th U. S. I., Sept, 20, 18C3, Chickamanga, Ga. 

Graham, P., Capt, 24th Pennsylvania Yols., May 15, lStj4, New Market, Ya. 

GucUey, M. L., Lt, 17th Iowa Yols., Oct. 13, 1S64, Tilton, Ga. 

Gould, B/f Capt,, 133d W. Ya., Sept. 12, 1363, Centrevlile, Ya. 

Iluey, Pennock, Col., Sth Penn. Cav., June 24, IS -4, St. Mary's Church, Ya. 

Helstcr, J. W., Capt., 9ih Ohio Cav., April 13, 1S64, Florence, Ala. 

Ilaker, D. W., Lt, Connecticut, April 20, 1S64, Plymouth, N. C. 

Ha:sey, T. J., Mjor, 11th New Jersey Yols., June 22, 1S64, Petersburg, Ya. 

Hutchinson. J., Lt, 2d Yirginia Yols., Sept 24, 1S63, Cheat River, Ya. 

Hoffiiian, M., Lt, 5th Iowa Yols., Nov. 25, 1SG3, Missionary Pidge, Ga. 

Hinds, H. H.,Lt, 51st Pennsylvania Yols., Jnly 2, 1833, Gettysburg, Pa. 

Haggles, J. S., Capt, 5th Tennessee Yols., May 21, 1863, East Tennessee. 

Helms, M. B.,Lt, 1st Yirginia Yois., SeiA.. 11, 1S63. Morefleld, Ya. 

Hail, C. B., ♦• *• '* 

Halienbug, G., Lt, 1st Ohio Yols., Sept 20, 1863, Chickamauga, Ga. 

Hall, A. M., Lt, 9th Minnesota Yols,, June 12, 1864, Jackson, Miss. 

Handy, T., Capt, T9th Illinois Yols., Sept 19, 1863, Chickamauga, Ga, 

Hubbard, H. R., Lt, 119th Illinois Yols., Feb. 22, 1864, Miss. 

Hoffman, J. M., Lt, 5th Illinois Yols., Nov. 25, 1863, Missionary Eidge. 

Heffley, A., Capt, 142(1 Pennsylvania Yols., July 1, 1863, Gettysburg, Pa. 

Hays, A. N., Capt., 7th Tennessee Cav., March 2, 1864. Union City, Tenn. 

Hare, T. W., Lt., 5th Ohio Cav., Nov. 4, 1363, Waterloo, Tenn. 

Helm, J. B., Lt., 101st Pennsylvania Yols., April 20, 1864, Plymouth, N. C. 

Heflaey, C. P.,Lt, 142d Pennsylvania Yols., Julyl, 1863, Gettysburg, Pa. 

Hubbell, F. A., Lt, 67th Pennsylvania Yols., June 15,1863, Winchester, Yi 

Heffner, W., Lt, 67th Pennsylvania Yols., " " 

HarringtoB, B. F., Lt, 18th Penn. Cav.. June 18,1863, Gcrmania Ford, Ya. 

Hart, E. R., Lt, 1st Yermont Artillery, June 23, 1864, Petersburg, Ya. 

Hanson, J. B., Lt, 1st Massachusetts Artillery, June 23, 1864, Petersburg, Ya. 

Hedge, W. E , Lt, 5th Maryland Yds., June 15, 1863, Winchester, Ya. 

Hawkins, S. W., Lt., 7th Tennessee Cav., March 21, 1:64, Union City, Tenn. 

Henry, C. D., Lt., 4th Ohio Cav., Sept 20, 1863, Chickamauga, Ga. 

Hays, N. W., Lt., 34th Ohio Yols., July IS, 1363, Wytheville, Ya. 

Hodge, P. M., Lt 

Hall, R. F., Lt, 75th Ohio Yols., Aug. 17, 1834, Gainsville, Ga. 

Hate, J. D., Lt., Sth Iowa C ".v., July 31, 1864,.Nunan, Ga. 

Hastings, T. J., Lt, 15th Massachusetts Yols., June 24, 1864, Petersburg, Ya. 

Hawk, A., Capt, 68th New York Yols., July 1, 186 ?, Gettysburg, Pa. 

Hill G., W., Lt, 7th Michigan Cav., May 16, 18G4, Yellow Ta v., Ya. 

Heslitt Lt, 3d Pennsylvania Cav.. Nov. 27, 1863, Parker's Station, Ya. 

Hazell, E. J., Lt, 6th Pennsylvania Cav., May 2, 1864, Todd's Tav., Ya. 

Ilamon, J., Lt.,. 115th Illinois Yols., Sept 20, 1863, Chickamauga, Ga. 

Herrick, B. C, Lt., 1st New York Cav., March 10, 1864, Charlestown, Ya. 

Hyne, J. J., Lt, 100th Ohio Yols., Sept IS, 1863, Tilton, Tenn. 

Hubert, R., Lt, 80th Pennsylvania Yois., May 12, 1864, Spottsylvania, Ya, 



iS8 NINETEEN MONTHS 

Ilarris, S., Lt, 5th Michigan Cav., March 2, 1S64, Eichmond, Ya. 

neppard, T.. Lt., 105th Pennsylvaina Vols., April 20, 1S64 Plymouth, N. C. ' 

Hauiilton, W., Lt, 2d Massachusetts \l. Artillery, April 20, 186^ Plymouth, N. C. 

Herstings, G. L , Lt, 2i[h New York Artillery, April 20, ISO-l, Plymouth. N. C. 

Ilorton, S. H., Lt, 101st Pennsylvania Vols., April 20,lS6k Plymout'n.N. C. 

Huff, H. B., Capt, ISith Pennsylvania Vols.. June 22, 1864, Petersburg, Va. 

Hampton, C. G., Lt, lo'h New York Cav., Feb. 20, 1864, Upperville, Va. 

Hard, W. B.,Lt:M7th Michigan Vols., May 12, 1S64. Spo'.tsylvania, Va. 

Hill, J., Capt, 45th New York Vols., July 1, 1S63, Gettysburg, Pa. 

ILauf, A., Lt, 45tli New York Vols , " '» 

Hitt, W. Pw, Capt, 113th New York Vols., June 10, 1S64, Briers Cross Eoads, Miss. 

Harris, W., Capt, 24th Mobile Vols., March 24. 1864, Union City, Tenn. 

Habbie, C. A., Capt, 17th Connecticut, May 19, 1S64, Pilatka, Fla. 

Holden, E., Lt, 1st Vermont Cav., Sept. 26, 1863. PJch.ird's Ford, Va. 

Hedges, S. P., Lt, 112th New York Vols., June, Eichmond, Va. 

Hinds, H. C, Lt, lu2d New York Vols., July 20, 1834, Atlanta, Ga. 

Hall, W. P., Maj., 6th New York Cav., June 8, 1864, King William's County, Ya. 

Hart, E. K., Capt, 19th U. S. L, Sept 20, 1S63, Chickamauga, Ga. 

Hodge, A., Capt, 80th Illinois Vols., May 3, 1863, Eome, Ga. 

Harvey, U., Lt, 51st Indiana Vols., May 3, 1863, Eome, Ga. 

Hay, D., Cai)t, 80th Illinois Vols., May 3, 1863, Eome, Ga. 

Harmer, E. J., Lt, 80th Illinois Vols., May 3, 1863, Eome, Ga. 

Hart, C. M., Lt,45th Pennsylvania Vols., Dec. 14, 1S63, Clinch Mountain, Tcnn. 

Hopper, J. A., Lt, 2tl New York Vols., June 22, 1S64, Petersburg, Va. 

Hand, G. T., Lt, 51st Pennsylvania Vols., May 3, 1863, Eome, Ga. 

Hertzog, H. O., Capt, 1st New York Cav,, April 23, 1863, Shenandoah Valley, Va 

Ilagler, J. S , Capt, 5th Tennessee Vols., May 21, 1863, Morgan County, Teuu. 

Hintz, H., Capt, IGih Connecticut Vols., April 20, 1864, Plymouth, N. C. 

Hunt, C. O., Capt, 5th Maine Battery, June 18, 1864, Petersburg, Va. 

Halpin. G., Capt, 106th Pennsylvania Vols., July 2, 1S63, Gettysburg, Pa. 

Haginbach, J. C, Lt., 6T-h Pennsylvania, June 15, 186 3, Winchester, Va. 

Hogan, P. A., Lt, 7th Maryland Vols., Oct 19, 1863, llaymarket, Va. 

Hullen, W., Lt, 5th Indiana Cav., July 31, 64, Sunshine Church, Va. 

Hawkins, 11. E.,Capt, 78th Illinois Vols., Sept, 22, 1863. Mission Kidge, Ga. 

Hur, B. A., Capt, 2Sth Ohio, June 5, 1864, New Hope, Va. 

Hart, G. D., Capt, 5th Pennsylvania Cav., June 10, 1864, Petersburg, Va, 

Hull, G. W., Lt, 135th Ohio, July 3, 1864, N. Mountain, Ga. 

Iloyt, H. B., Capt, 40th N. Y. I., May 5, 1S64, Wilderness, Va. 

Hamilton, H. G., Lt, 1st New York I., May 5, 1864, Wilderness, Va. 

Hezelton, D. W., Lt, 22d New York Cav., June 28, 1864, Stony Creek, Va. 

Hovey, W., Lt, 9Sth Illinois, Sept 22, 1833, Mission Eilge, Ga. 

Hume, L. J., Capt, 19th Massachusetts, June 22, 1S64, Petersburg, Va 

Holahan, C. P., Lt,19th Pennsylvania Cav., June 12, 1S64, Eipley, Miss. 

Hamilton. H. N.,Lt, 59th New York, June 22, 1S64, Petersburg, Va. 

Happin, H, P., Lt, 2d Massachusetts Artillery, April 20, 1864, Plymouth, N. 0. 

Huntington, E. S., Lt, 11th U. S. I., June 2, 1864, Mechanicsville, Va. 

Hutchinson, E. C, Capt, 8th Michigan, May 6, 1864, Wilderness, Va. 

Hoyt, W. H., Lt., 16th Indiana, July 22, 1864, Atlanta, Ga. 



A PRISONER OF "WAR. 189 

Hart, P. H.,Lt, 19th Indiana, Jaly 1, 1S63, Gettysburg. Pa. 

Hughes, H. M., Lt. I4th Illinois Cav., Juiy 31, 1Sd4, Sunshine Church, Ya. 

Henekay, D., Lt, 10th Wisconsin, Sept, 20, 1S63, Chickainauga, Ga. 

Harkness, R., Capt, lOtli Wisconsin, Sept 20, 1S63. Chickamauga, Ga. 

Herbet*., W., Lt., 105th Pennsylvania, May 12, 1664, Spottsylvania, Ya. 

Hastings, C. W., Capt, 12th Massachusetts, May 12, 1S64, North Anna River, Ya. 

Heston, J., Lt, 4th New Jersey, May 12, 1S64, Spottsylvania, Ya. 

Hays, E., Capt , 95th New York, May 6.' 1S64, Wilderness, Ya. 

Heffelfinger. J., Lt, Tth Pennsylvania R. Y. C, May 6, 1S64, Wilderness, Ya. 

Harvey, J. T., Lt, 2:i Pennsylvania Artillery, June 2, 1S64, Mechanicsville, Ya. 

Hurst, T. B., Lt, Tth Pennsylvania R. Y. C , May 5, 1S64, Wilderness, Ya. 

Holart, J. Y., Capt, Tth Wisconsin Y., May 5, 1S64, Wilderness, Ya. 

Heek, R. B., Capt, 12th New York Cav., April 20, 1S64, Plymouth, N. 0. 

Holman, W. H., Capt, 9th Yermont, Newport N. C. 

Hadley. J. Y., Lt, Tth Indiana, May 6, 1S64, Wilderness, Ya. 

HalK C, Lt, 13th Wisonsin Cav., Sept 20. 1S63, Chickamauga, Ga. 

Hagden, J. A., Capt, 11th P. R., May 6. 1S64, Wilderness. Ya. 

Hill, J. B., Lt, 14th Massachusetts, Feb. 1, 1S64, Newbern, N. C. 

Hallett M. Y., Lt., 2d Pennsylvania Cav., July 12. 1S64, Ream's Station, Ya. 

Hodge, W. S., Capt, 120th Illinois. June 10. 1S64, Nc^rthern Miss. 

Henry, A. J., 120th Illinois, June 12, 1864, Norihern Miss. 

Hamlcn, S. G., Capt, lo4th New York, July 1, 1563, Gettysburg, Pa. 

Hulladay, A J., Lt, 13th Indi.ma Cav., August 2, 1S64, Carrolton, Ga. 

Havens, D.. Lt, S5th Illinois, Ju]y 19, 1S64, Peach Creek, Ga. 

Hays, C. A, Lt, 111th Pennsylvania, July 2'K lSa4; Atlanta, Ga. 

Hastings, J. L., Adjt,, Tth Pennsylvania R , May 5, 1S64, Wilderness, Ya. 

Hunter, A. N., Lt, 2d U. S. Artillery, April 12, 1S64, Fort Pilliow, Tenn. 

Harris, J. W., Lt., 62d Indiana Cav. 

Hellemus, J. B., Capt, 18th Kentucky, June 23, 1S64, Ringgold, Ga. 

Herzberg, F., Lt, 66rh New York, June IT, 1S64. Petersburg. Ya. 

Henry, J. M., Lt, 154th New York Yols., July 1. 1S63. Gettysburg, Pa. 

Harris, G., Lt, 79th Indiana Cav., Sept 20, 1S63, Chickamauga, Ga. 

Holt, W. C, Capt., 6th Tennessee Yols., March 24, 1S64, Baldin, Tenn. 

Harrison, C E., Lt, 59ch Pennsylvania Yds., Sept 20, 1363, Chickamauga, Ga. 

Huey, R., Lt, 2d Tennessee Yols., Nov. 6, 1S63, Rogersville, Tenn. 

Henderson, J. H., 14th and 15th Yet Bat 3d 111. Yols., Oct 4, 1864, Acworth, Ga. 

Height T. 

Higley, E. H., Lt, 1st Yermont Cav., June 24, 1S64, Stony Creek, Ya. 

Hall, G. W., Lt, 135th Ohio Yols., Sept 12, 1863, Chickamauga, Ga. 

Hamilton, W. B., Lt, 22d Michigan Yols., Sept 20, 1863, Chickamauga. Ga. 

Hendricks, F., Capt, 1st New York Cav., June 15, 1863, Winchester, Ya. 

Henderson, R., Lt, 1st Massachusetts H. A., June 26, 1864, Petersburg, Ya. 

Howe, Charles, Lt, 21st Illinois. Sept 20. 1863. Chickamauga, Ga. 

Ilefflefinger, J., Lt, S8th Indiana. Sept 20, 1863, Chickamauga, Ga. 

Himroa, P., Capt, 105th Ohio, Oct. 27, 1864, Dairsville, Ga. 

Irwin, C. L.,Lt, T8th Illinois Yols., September 22, 1863, Mission Ridge, G». 
Imbrie, J. M., Capt, 3d Ohio Yds., May 8, 1863, Rome, Ga. 



190 NINETEEN MONTHS 

Isett, J. H., Major, 8th Illinois Vols., July 30, 1SG4, Newman, Ga. 

Irwin, W. IL, Adjutant, 163(1 Pennsylvania Vols., April 20, 1334, Plymouth, N. O. 

Irscli, F., Ciipt., loth New York Vols., July 1, 1663, Gettysburg, Pa. 

Jackson, Pw. W., Lt., 21st Wisconsin Vols., September 20, 1863, Chickamauga, Ga. 

Jenkins, li. M., Adjt., 21st Wisconsin Vols., 

Johnson, IL A., Lt., 3d Maine Vols., May 5, 1S64, Wilderness, Ya. 

James, II. II , Lt., 6ih Indiana Cavalry, January 19, 1564; Big Springs, Tenn. 

Jones, S. T., Capt, 80th Illinois Yols., " 

Johnson, G., Lt, 16th Connecticut Yols., April 20, 1S64, Plymouth, N. C. 

Judd, J. IL, Lt, 27th Massachusetts Yols., May 16, 1864, Drury's Bluff, Ya. 

Jacobs, J. H., Cipt, 4th Kentucky Yols., July 31, 1S64, Fayetieville, Ga. 

John, E., Lt., 135th Ohio Yols., July 3, 18:^4, Virginia. 

Johnson, J. C, Capt, 149th Pennsylvania Yols., July 1, 1863. Gettysburg, Pa. . 

Job, B. A., Capt,llth Pennsylvania Ileserve Yols., May 3j. 1S64, Cold Harbor, Ya 

Johnson, T. W., Lt, 10th New York Cavalry, October 14, 1863, Auburn, Ya, 

Jones, J. A., Lt, 21st Illinois Yols., September 20, 1863, Chickamauga. Ga. 

Johnson, C. K, Lt, 1st Maine Cavalry, June 24, 1364, St Mary*s Church, Ya. 

Jennings, J. T., Capt, 45ih Ohio Yols., November 15, 1863, Knoxville, Tenn. 

Judson, S. C, Capt, lOeth New York Yols., May 6rh, 1864, Wilderness, Ya. 

Jenkins, IL, Capt., 40th Massachusetts Yols., May 16, 1864, Drury's Bluff, Ya. 

Jackson, C. G., Capt, S4th Pennsylvania Yols., May 6, 1364, Wilderness, Ya. 

Jones, J. P., Lt, 55th Ohio Yols., July 2, 1863, Gettysburg, Pa. 

Jenkins, G. W., Lt, 9th Virginia Yols. 

Jones, C. W., Lt, 16th Pennsylvania Cavalry. 

Justus, J. C, Lt, 2d Pennsylvania Pv., May 24, 1S64, North Anna Pwiver, Ya. 

Jackson, J., Lt, 4th Indiana Cav., May 7, 1864, Wilderness, Ya. 

Johnson, J. D., Capt, 10th New York Vols., May 7, 1864, Wilderness, Ya. 

Jones, S. E., Capt, 7th New York Artillery, June 16, 1SG4, Petersburg, Ya. 

Jones, H., Lt, 5th U. S. Cav., Oct 29, 1863, Elk Run, Ya. 

Jackson, J. S., Capt, 22d Ililuols, Sept 28, 1363, Chickamauga, Ga. 

Johnson, R., Capt, 6th New York Cav., June 25, 18C3. 

Johnson, J. W., Lt, 1st Massachusetts Artillery, June 22, 18G4, Petersburg, Y«, 

Johnson, W. N., Army correspondent, June 13, 1364, Staunton, Ya. 

Jones, Webster, Lt, 3^th Ohio Vols., Oct 19,1864, Rough Station, Ga. 

Jones, M. P., Lt, 115th Illinois Vols., Oct 3, 1364, Mill Creek, Ga. 

Kelly, D. O., Lt, 100th Ohio Vols., Sept 8, 1863, Tenn. 
Krohn, P., Lt, bih New York Cavalry, June 1, 1864* 
Keeler, O. M., Capt, 22d Michigan, September 20, 1863, Chickamauga, Ga. 
Kelly, D. A., Capt., 1st Kentucky Vols., Nov. 14, 1863, East Tennessee. 
Kendricks, E., Adjt, 10th New York Vols., May 14, 1864, Wilderness, Ya. 
Kuohn, A., Lt., 5th Maryland Vols., June 15, 1363, Winchester, Ya. 
Kendall, S., Lt , Icth U. S. Infantry, September 2;), 1S63, Chickamauga, Ga. 
Knapp, F. II., Lt, 9th Ohio Cavalry, April 12, 1864, Florence, Ala. 
Karr, S. C, Lt, 126th Ohio Volunteers, May 6, 1864, Wilderness, Ya. 
Keis, G. W., Lt,lSth Connecticut Vols., June 15, 1363, Winchester, Ya. 
Kennedy, J. B., Lt, 6th Ohio Cavalry, June 19, 1864, Liberty, Ga. 
Kempton, F., Lt, 75th Ohio Vols., August 17, 1864, Gainsville, Ya. 



A PKISONEK OF WAR. 191 

Kline, D. J.Lt, 75th Ohio Vols., August IT, 1S64 Gainesri'le, Va. 

Kennedy, J. W., Lt. 134th New York Vols., July 1, 1363, Gettysburg, Pa. 

Kidd, J. H., Lt., Ist Maryland Artillery, June 21, ISU, Salem, Ya. 

Kendrick, R. H., Lt., '25th Wisconsin Yols., July 21, 1S61, Decatur, Ga. 

Kenyan, G. C, Lt., 113th Illinois Yols., June 12, 1364, Eipley, Miss. 

Kidder, G. C, Lt, 113th Illinois, 

Kelly, H. K., Capt.,llSth Pennsylvania Yols., June 2. 13-34. "Mechanicsville, Ya. 

Knox. G. W.. Lt, New York Yols , July 20, 1364. Atlanta, Ga. 

Kelly, S. M., Lt, 4th Tennessee Yols.. July 30, 1S64, Noonan. Ga. 

Kirbey, ^V. M,, Lt., 3d New York Artillery, Feb. 2, 1364, Newbern, N. C. 

King, T., Quartermaster, 1st Pennsylvania Yols., April 20, ISoi, Plymouth, N. C. 

Keniston, J., Lt, 100th Illinois, Sept 20, 1563, Chickamauga, Ga. 

Krisgee, A., Lt, 67th Pennsylvania Yols., June 15, 1363, Winchester, Ya. 

K#dall, Capt, 40th Massachusetts Yols. 

King, H., Capt, 16ih Connecticut Yols., April 20, 1854, Plymouth, N. C. 

Kendall, H. S., Adji., 5th Pennsylvania Yo;s., May 7, 1S64, Wilderness, Ya. 

Knowles, R. A., Lt., 116th Ohia Yols., June 15, 1364, Winchester, Ya. 

Keisier, W. H. H,, Lt, 103d Pennsylvania Yols., April 20, 1364, Plymouth, N. G 

Kirk, J. B., Lt, 101st Pennsylvania Yols., " 

Kantz, J. D., Lt, 1st Kentucky Yols., September 10, 1S63, Graysville, Ga, 

Keith, C. E., Lt, lOth Illinois Yols., September 20, 1363. Chickamauga, Ga. 

Keilog, J. H., Lt, 5th Michigan Cavalry, July 14, 1363, Falling Waters, Ya. 

Krouumyre, C, Capt., 52d New York Yols., May 10, 1364, Spottsylvania, Ya. 

Kelly, A., Capt, 120th Ohio Yolnnteers, May 6, 136^-, Wilderness, Ya. 

Knowles, E. M., 42d Indiana Yols., Sept 19, 1563, Chickamauga, Ga. 

King, M D., Lt., 3d Ohio Yolunteers, May 3, 1863.. Eome, Ga. 

Kendall, J., Capt, 13th Indiana, " " 

Kenkei!, E.,Lt, 45th New York Yols., July 1, 1333, Gettysburg, Pa. 

King, G. E., Capt , 103d ininoi=, June 10, 1364, Brier's Cross Eoads, MisSb 

Kandler, H., Lt, 45thNew York Yols., July 1, 1363, Gettysburg, Pa. 

Knight n. E., Lt, 20th Michigan Yols., May 9, 1S63, Monticello, Ky. 

Kelly, J. E., Lt,,lst Pennsylvania Cavalry. 

Keen, J., Lt., 7th Pennsylvania E., May 5, 1364, Wilderness, Ya. 

Kirkpatrick, G. W., Lt., 15th Iowa Yols., Feb. 29, 1364, Canton, Miss. 

Knox, J. 0., Lt, 4th Indiana Cavalry. 

Kephart, J. S., Lt, 5th Indiana Yols., May 13, 1563, East Tennessee. 

Kreuger, W., Lt, 2d Missouri Yols., Sept. 20, 1363, Chickamauga, Ga. 

Kerin, J., Lt, 6th United States Cavalry, June 9, 1S63, Bealton Station, Ya. 

Kenyon, P. D., Capt, 14th and 15th N. Y. Yet Bat., Oct 14, 1364, Acworth, G% 

Kreps, F. A. M., Lt, 77th Pennsylvania, Sept 19. 1363, Chickamauga. Ga. 

King, Lt, 15th Illinois Cavalry, May 3, 1363, Eome, Ga. 

Kane, T., Lt,3Sth Indiana, September 20, 1363, Chickamauga, Ga. 

Kessler, J. G., Capt, 2d Indiana Cavalry, July 30, 1361, Newman, Ga. 

Lindemyer, L., Capt, 45th New York Yols., July 1, 1363, Gettysburg, Pa. 
Lamsou, A. T., Capt, 104th New York, Julyl, 1363, Gettysburg. 
Logan, W. S., Capt, 17th Michigan, May 12, 1364, Spottsylvania, Ya. 
Love, J. E., Capt., Sth Kansas Yols,, Sept. 17, 1S63, Chickamauga, Ga. 



192 NHSTETEEN MONTHS 

* 
Lodge, Q-. R., Li, 53d Illinois, July 12, 1S63, Jackson, Miss. 
Lucas, W. D., Capt, 5th New York Cavalry, July 6, 1S63, ITafferstowTi, Md. 
Little, J., Capt., 142fl Pennsylvania, May 5, 1S64, Wilderness, Va. 
Lee, A.. Lt., 152d New York Vols., June 22, 1864, Petersburg, Va. 
Longnecker, J. H., Adjutant, 101st Pennsylvania, April 20, 1864, Plymouth, N. C 
Landon, H., Lt., 16ih Connecticut, ♦' •* 

Lauglilin, J, K., Lt., lOSd Pennsylvania, " *• 

Lyman, J., Lt.. 27th Mas.-achu-etts, May 16, 3864, Drury's Bluff, Va. 
Ladd, J. O., Lt., 35th United States Ijifaiitry, May 23d, 1564, Florida. 
Litchfield, A. C, Lt.-Col., 7th Michigan Cuvalry, March 1, lSo4,Atleys, Va. 
Langworth}', D. A., Capt, 85th New York, April 20, 1804, Plymouth, N. C. 
Lyon, W. C, Lt, 23d Ohio, February 3, 1864, Kanawha. Va. 
L'Bwis, C. E., Lt., 1st New York Dragoons. May 7, 1864, Wilderness, Va. 
Laycock, J. B.. Lt., 7ti) P. K. C, May 5, 1864, Wilderness, Va. # 

Lynch, C. M., Major, 145th Pennsylvania, June 22. 1S64, Petersburg, Va. 
Lintz. C. J., Lt, Sth Tennessee, October 6, 1863, Morristown, Tenn. 
Lesley, J. D., Lt,,'l8ch Penn. Cav., Oct 11, 1863, Stafford Court-House, Va. 
Leonard, A., Lt, 71st New York, October 11, 18*i3, Brandy Station, Va. 
Ladd, M., Lt, 16th Iowa, July 22, 1864. Atlanta, Ga. 
Lyman, II. II., Lt, New York, May 5, 1S64, Wilderness, Va* |i 
Luiher. J. C, Lt, 1st Pennsylvania K., May 30, 1804, Cold Harbor, Va. 
Larrabee, W. 11. , Lt, 7th Maine. May 6, 1S64, Wildernes-s Va. 
Lane, L. N.,Lt. 9th Minnesota, "^ane 12, 1864, liipley. Miss. 
Lynn, J. L., Lt, 145tli Pennsylv. t. June 16, 1S04, Petersburg, Va. 
Lamson, F. D., Lt, 3d Maryland Vols., June 29. 1864, Stony Creek, Va. 
Lytte, E. A., Capt., 145th Pennsylvania, June 10, 1864, Petersburg, Va. 
Loomis. A. W., Lt., 18th Connecticut, June 15, 1833, Winchester, Va. 
Lock, W. H., Lt, 

Laning, A., Lt, 21th Michigan, May 5, 1864, Wilderness, Va. 
Leith, S., Lt, 103d New York, February 20, 1864, North Carolina. 
Liudsley, A. H., Lt, 18th Connecticut, June 15, 1863, Winchester, Va. 
Long, 0. 11., Lt, 1st Maryland Vols., June 29, 1864, Duffield's Depot, Va. 
Lewis, D. B., Lt., 12th Pennsylvania Cavalry, June 29, 1864, Duffield's Depot, V* 
Livingston, Lt, 1st Virginia Cavalry, July 18, 18^3, Weytheville, Va. 
Law, G., Capt, 6th Virginia Cavalry, June 26, 1864, Springfield, Va. 
Lucas, John, Capt., 5th Kentucky Vols., September 19, 1863, Chickamauga, Ga. 
Lovett, L. T., Capt, " " " 

Lloyd, J. K.,Cnpt, 17th Massachusetts, February IT, 1864, Newbern, N. C. 
Leigh. T. J , Lt, A.D.C., May 5, 1864 Wilderness, Va. 
Lemon, M. W., Lt, 14th New York Vols., June 2, 1864, Cold Harbor, Va. 
Leeds, M. A., Lt-Col., 153d Ohio, July 3, 1864, West Virginia. 
Litchfield, J. B., Capt, 4th Maine, July 2, 1863, Gettysburg, Pa. 
Lock, D. B., Lt., Sth Kentucky Cavalry, August 3, 1863, Kentucky. 
Limbard, H., August 4, 1864, Ga. 

Loyd, T. C, Lt, 6th Indiana Cavalry, Jan. 19, 1864, Big , Tenn. 

Lavrince, G. H., Lt, 2d N. Y. M. Eifles. 

Loud, E. D. C, Lt., 2d Pennsylvania Artillery, June 27, 18C4, Petersburg, Va. 

Ludwig, M. S., Lt, 53d Pennsylvania Vols., June 22, 1864, •* 



A PRISONER OF TVAR. 193 

Loud, J. R., Oapt.<^6th Indiana Yol?., Oct 11, 1863, Colenvllle. Tenn. 
Lombard, H. G., Adjc, 4th Michigan Vols., July 1, 1563. Gettysburg, Pa. 
L^e, E. N., Capt, 5th Michigan Cavalry, Oct. 19, 1S68. Bnckland Mills. Ya. 
Lafler, J. A, Lt., S5th New York Yds.. April 20. ISei. Plymouth. N. C. 
Lowry, D. W., Lt, 2d Pennsylvania Artillery, July 24, 1S64. Petersburg, Ya. 
Larkin, F. A, Lt, ISth Indiana Yols., June 4, 1S63, Edwards , Tenn. 

Myers, T., Lt, 107th Pennsylvania Yols^ July 1, 1863, Gett/sburg, Pa. 
Moony, J., «' . '^ u « 

Morris, W. J,, Lt, 6th Maryland Yds., June 15, 1863, "Winchester, Ya. 
Mettea, J. S., " « " « 

Matson, C. C, Lt, 6th Indiana Cavalry, August 7, 1864, Atlanta, Ga. 
Morgan, C. H,, Lt, 21st Wisconsin Yols., Sept 20, 1863, Chickamauga, Ga. 
McGruder, W. H., Lt, " " " 

Merrim, S. T. C, Lt., ISth Connecticut Yols., June 15. 1863, Winchester, Ya. 
Moore. G. W.. Capt. Tth Tennessee Yols., March 24 1S64, Union City, Tenn. 
McConnilee, W. J., Lt. 4th Iowa Yols., June 20. 1863, Yicksburg, Miss. 
Martin, J. W., Capt, 4th Massachusetts Cavalry, August 17, 1S64, Gainsville, FUl 
Martarahea, J. M., Lt, 75th Ohio Yols., " " 

Mor^, E., Lt, 7Sth Illinois Yols.. Sept. 22, 1S63, Mission Ridge, Ga. 
McGiverin, J., Lt., 75th Pennsylvania Yols., Nov. 25, 1863, Mission Pidge, Ga. 
Merssel, O., Capt, 6Sth New York Yols., July 1, 1863, Gettysburg, Pa. 
Milios, Y., Lt, " « ' " . 

Mooney, A H., Capt., 10th New York Cavalry, AnrlMe, 1864, Fairfax, Ya. 
McDowell, J. S., Capt, 77th Pennsylvania Yols., S^ ;. 19, 1S63, Chickamauga, Ga. 

■•'cHugh, J., Capt, 69th Pennsylvania Yols., June 2'2, 1864, Petersburg, Ya. 

Marshall, W. S , Adjt, 55th Indiana Yo^.s., May 3, 1863, Pome, Ga. 

Moses, L., Lt.,4tb Kentucky Yolz., Sept 20, 1863, Chickamauga, Ga. 

Morrisson, M. Y. B., Lt, 33d Ohio Yols., " " 

Morly, H., Lt., 10th New York Yds., Oct 12, 1863, Sulphur Springs, Ya. 

McColgin, J., Lt, Tth Ohio Yds., Nov. 6, 1563, Eogersville, Tenn. <v 

Morris, J. H.. Lt, 4th Kentucky Yols., July 30, 1864, Georgia. 

McKruson, A A^ Lt, 10th Wisconsin Yols., Sept 20, 1863, Chickamauga, Ga. 

Meade, L. C, Lt,, 22d Michigan Yols., " 

Madura, M.B., Lt, 6th Yirginia Yds., April 8, 1864, Winchester, Ya, 

Marshall, W. S., Major, 5th Iowa Yols., Nov. 25, 1863, Mission Ridge. Ga. 

McKercher, D., Major, 10th Wisconsin Yols.. Sept 2i>, 1S63. Chickamauga, Ga. 

McLennpm, P., Major, 22d New York Cavalry, June 29, 1SG4, Reams Station, Ya.' 

Mattocks, C. P., Major, 17th Maine Yols., May 5, 1S64. Wilderness, Ya. 

McQuiddy, H. C. Capt, 5th Tennessee Cavalry, May 3, 1863, Rome, Ga. 

Meaney, D. B., Capt, 13th Pennsylvania Cav., June 15, 1863, Winchester, Ya. 

Mosely, H. H., Lt. 25th Ohio Yols., July 1, 1863, Gettysburg, Pa, 

Morrissy, G. H., Quartermaster, 12th Iowa Yds., July 11, 1S63, Jackson, Miss. 

McKay, D. T., Lt, 18th Pennsylvania Cavalry, Sept 13, 1563, Culpepper, Ya^ 

Mayer, L., Lt, 12th •' June 19, 156^3. Front Royal Ya. 

Merritt, H. A. P., Lt, 5th New York Cavalry, March 3, ISH Stevensville. Ya. 

Matthews, A. S., Adjt., 22d Michigan Yols., Sept 20, 1863, Chickamauga, Ga. 

McFadden, W. M , Capt, 55th New York Yols., June 22. IsCi. Petersburg, Ya. 

17 



194r NINETEEN MONTHS 

Metgger, J., Capt., 85th Penijsylvania Vols., May IG, 1854, Drury's Bluff, Va. 
Moore, L K, Capt,, 77th Ohio Yols., June 11, -3864, Eipley, Miss. 
McCain, J. C, Lt, 9th Minnesota Vols., ■ '' " 

Morris, W. M,, Lt, 93d Illinois Yols., Nov. 25, 1S63, Mission Eidge, Ga. 
Monaghan, J., Lt., 62d New York Yols., June 22, 1S64, Peter.- burg, Ya. 
McCarty, W. W., Capt., TSth Ohio Yols., " Atlanta, Ga. 

McKee, T. H., Capt. 1st Virginia Yols., Sept. 11, 1863, Morefield, Ya. 
McGiiire, T., Capt , 7th Illinois Yols., May 7, 1S64, Florence, Ala. 
McGowan, J., Lt, 29th Indiana Yols., Sept 19, 1863, Chlckamauga, Ga. 
Makepeace, A. J., Capt, 19th " July 1, 1^63, Gettysburg, Pa. 

Miller, J. W., Lt, 14th Illinois Cavalry, July 31, 1S64, Sunshine Church, Ya. 
Murphy, J., Lt, 61st New York Yols., June 3, 1864, Cold Harbor, Ya. 
Mcintosh, J. C, Lt., 145th Pennsylvania Yols., June 16, 1SG4, Petersburg, Ya. 
Matherson, E. J., Capt, ISth Connecticut Yols , June 15, 1863, Winchester, Ya. 
McKage, F., Lt, " " " 

Mather, F. W., Lt, 7th New York Artillery, June ]6, 1864, Petersburg, Ya. 
Murphy, J.,Lt, United States Infantry, Sept 19, 1863, Chickamauga, Ga. 
Morgan, B., Lt., 75th Ohio Yols., August 17, 1864, Nunansviile, Ga. 
Mulligan, J. A., Lt,4th Massachusetts Cavalry, August 17, 1864, Gainsville, Flat 
Meade, S., Capt, 111th New York Yo:s., Dee. 7, 1S63, Mine Pain, Ya. 
McCall, O. M., Lt, 103d Pennsylvania Yols.. April 19. 1864, Plymouth, N. C. 
McKinley, J., Lt, 98th Oliio Yols., Sept 22, 1863, Mission liidge, Ga. 
Mathews, W. F., Lt, 6th Maryland Yols., Jane 19, 1S64, Duffieid, Ya. 
McCreary, H., Capt, 145th Pennsylvania Yols., June 16, 18G4, Petersburg, Ya. 
McDade, A., Lt, 154th New York Yols., July 1, 1863, Gettysburg, Pa. 
Machrie, P. B., Lt, 73d " June 16, 1864, Petersburg, Ya. 

Merril, H. P., Capt, 4th Kentucky Yols., July 24, 1864, Jonesboro, Ga. 
May, J., Capt, 15 Massachusetts Yols., June 16, 1864, Petersburg, Ya. 
Murphy, F., Capt, 9TthNew York Yols., July 1, 1S63, Gettysburg, Pa. 
Moore, N. H., Capt , 7th " June 16, 1864, Petersburg, Ya 

Marion, N. J., Lt, 93d Indiana Yols., August 13, 1864, Salem, Miss. 
McDonald, H. J., Capt, llth Connecticut Yols., May 16, 1801, Drury's Bluff, Ya. 
Moody, J. E., Lt, 59th Massachusetts, June 15, 1864, Chickahominy, Ya. 
Myers, W. H., Lt, 76th New York Yols., May 5, 1864, Wilderness, Ya. 
McGeehan, J., Lt, 146th " " " 

Miller, F. P., Col, 147th " " " 

Mitchell, H. W., Lt, 14th " S. M, 

Mallison, J., Lt, 94th " Yols., June 6, 1864, Cold Harbor, Ya. 

Morem, F., Lt, 73d " " July 3, 1863, Gettysburg, Pa. 

Martin, J. C, Capt, 1st Tennessee Cavalry, Nov. 6, 1SG3, Rogersville, Tenn. 
Muliin, D. W., Capt, 101st Pennsylvania Yols., April 20, 1864, Plymouth. N. 0. 
Melhorn, M., Capt, 135th Ohio Yols., July 7, 1S64, Maryland Heights, Md. 
Morrow, J. N., Lt, 101st Pennsylvania Yols.; April 20. 1864, Plymouth, N. C. 
Moon, R. A., Lt, 6th Michigan Cavalry, Oct. 6, 1863, Chasledown, Ya. 
Mitchell, J., Lt, 79th Illinois Yols., Sept 19th, 1863, Chickamauga, Ga. 
Mendenhall, J. A.. Lt, 75th Ohio Yols.. July 2, 1363, Gettysburg, Pa. 
McNice, A., Lt, 73d Pennsylvania Yols., Nov. 25, 1S6B, Mission Eidge, Ga. 
Moore, M. M., 6th Michigan Cavalry, Oct IS, 1863, Charlestown, Ya. 



A PRISONER QF WAR, 195 

l,yanly, J. A., Capt., 64th New York Vols., May 12, 1864, Spottsylvania, Va. 

M:-Cuicheon, E. T., Lt, " . " -" 

McWaim, E J., Lt., 1st YermontArtirery, " 23, " " 

MeCraiy, D. B., Lt. Col., 145th Penn. Vols., " 16, " 

Murry, S. F., Capt., 2d U. S. S. S , " 21, " " 

McCune, A. W., Lt, 2d Ohio Vols., Sept. 20, 1863, Chickamauga, Ga. 

McDowalled, H. N., 5faj., IC^Gth New York Vols., June 1, 1S64, Cold Harbor, Ya. 

Moulton, O., Lt. Col., 25th, Massachusetts Vols., •' 3, " " 

McKeunly, C, Lt, 85th New York A'ois., April 20, 1864, Plymouth, N. C. 

Miller, W. G-., Lt, 16th Connecticut Yols., " " 

Mackey, J. F., Capt, 113th Pennsylvania Yols., " •' 

Morrow, J. J., " 

McManus, P. W., Adjt., 2:th Massachusetts Yols., May 16, 1864, Drury's Bluflf, Ya. 

Moses, C. C, Capt, 58th Pennsylvania Yols., July 6, 1863, Washington, N. C. 

Morringston, H., Lt, S7th " June 15, 1863, Winchester, Ya. 

McKeage, J., Capt., 184 " " 2-2, 1864, Petersburg, Ya. 

Manning, J. S., Lt, lllth Ohio Yols., " 15, 1863, Winchester, Ya. 

Ikludgett, J. S., Capt, 11th Maine Yols., " 2, 1864, Drury's Bluff, Ya. 

McMahon, E., Lt, T2d Ohio Yols., " 15, " Saleni, Miss 

Mash, P., Capt, 6Tth Pennsylvania Yols., " " 1863, Winchester, Ya. 

Muhjemau, J. K.. Major and A. A. G., Sept 2;'), 1863, Chickamauga, Ga. 

McNeii, J., Lt, 51st Ohio Yols., 

Man, G, Lt, 80th " Nov. 25, 1863, Mission Pvidge, Ga. 

McKinstray, J., Lt, 16th Illinois Cavalry, Jan, 3. 1864, Jonesville, Ya. 

McEvoy, W., Adjt., 3d Illinois Yols., Aug. 15, 1863, Oxford, Miss. 

McBeth, W., Lt, 45th Ohio Yols., Nov. 15, 1863, Knoxville, Tenn. 

Merry, W. A.. Lt., lG6th New York Yols , June 16, 1863, Ilagerstown, Md. 

Marney, A., Capt, 2d Tennessee Yols., Nov. 6, 1868, Kogersville, Tenn. 

Moore, D. T,, Lt, 

Morton, G. C, Lt, 4th Pennsylvania Cavalry, June 11, 1864, Trevellyn Sta., Ya. 

Moffley, S. T., Adjt, lS4th Pennsvlvania Yols., June 22, 1864, Petersburg, Ya. 

McSlay, A. G., Lt, 5th Michigan Yols., Sept 23, 1863, Eobson Eiver, Ya. 

Moltou, IL, Lt, 1st United States Cavalry, June 21, 1863, Upperville, Ya. 

Montgomery, E. H., Lt, 5th "g Oct 29, 1863, Elk Eun, Ya. 

Metcalf, C. W., Capt, 42d Indiana Yols , 

Missick, J. W., Lt , 

Miickey, J. S., Lt, 66th United States Inf., Oct 19, 1863, " 

McDill, n., Lt, 80lh llliijois Yols., May 3, 1863, Eome, Ga. 

Maxwell, C, Lt, 3d Ohio Yols., 

Mattison, 0. O., Capt., 12th New York Yols., May 5, 1S64, Wilderness, Ya. 

Mull, D. H., Capt, 73d Indiana Yols., May 3, 1863, Eome, Ga. 

Munday, J. W., Lt, " 

Murdock,IL S., •' " ''- 

McH.(»liar,d, D. A., Capt, '' " 

Marrow, H. C. A., Engineer U. S: N., May 7, 1864, James Eiver, Ya. 

Mahoney, J. S., Lt, 21st Oiiio Yols., Sept 20, 1863, Ciiickamauga, Ga. 

Mell, J. E., Lt, 61st Ohio Yols., July 1, 1863, Gettysburg, Pa. 

McNeal, D., Lt, IStb Pennsylvania Cav:ilry, June 15, IS*'-:', Winchester, Ya. 



196 NINETEEN MONTHS 

Morgan, J. T., Capt^ 17th Michigan Yols., Nov. 16, 186S, Campbell's Station, Va. 
Manning, Q. A., Capt, 2d Massachusetts Cav., Feb. 22, 1S64, Drainesville, Va. 
Mather, E., Lt, 1st Yermont Cavalry, June 3, 1863, Hanover Court-house, Ya. 
McDonald, C, Lt, 2d Illinois Artilleiy. 

Mangus, H F., Lt, 53d Pennsylvania Yols., June 16,1564, Spott^ylvania, Ya 
Millie, H.. Lt, ITth Michigan Yols., May 12, 1S64, Petersburg,' Va. 
Moore, W. Q., Lt, 3d Indiana Cavalry, Feb. 11, 1364, Tangpahea. Fla. 
McLaughlin, J., Lt, 53d Pennsylvania Yols.. June 16, 1SG4, Petersburg, Ya. 
McCafcrty, M. J., Lt., 4[h U. S. Artillery, Feb. 22, lS64,West Point, Miss. 
Millis, J., Lt, 66th Indiana Yols., Oct 11, 1S63, Cylinville, Tenn. 
McClure, T. W., Lt, 6th U. S. Artillery, April 12, 1864, Fort Pillow, Tenn. 
McGinnis, W. A., Lt, 19th Massachusetts Yols., June 22, 1S64, Petersburg, Va 
McNitt, R. J., Capt, IstPenn. Cav., June 24, 1864, Sunshine Church, Ya. 
Mathews, A., Lt, 1st Yermont Artillery, June 23, 1S64, Petersburg, Ya. 
Moree, A., " " June 11, 1864, ♦* 

Maish, L., Capt, 87th Penn. Yols., " « 

Mason, J., Lt , 13th Penn. Cavalry, Oct 12, 1S63, Brandy Station. Ya. 
Morgan, S. M., Capt and A. A. G., May 30, 1S64, Cold Harbor, Ya. 
Mann, C. A., Capt; 5th Illinois Cavalry, June 27, 1^3, Jones Co., Miss. 
McDonald, J., Lt, 22d Tennessee, Nov. 6, 1S63, Rogers ville, Tenn. 
Moore, F., Lt, 73d Pennsylvania I., Nov. 25, 1863, Mission Ridge, Ga. 
Mead, W. H., Lt, 6th Kentucky Cavalry, Sept. 21, 1S03, Chickamauga, Ga. 
Morse, C. W.. Capt.. 16th Connecticut Vols., April 20, 1S64, Plymouth, N. C. 
Moore, M., Capt. 29th Indiana Yols., Sept 20, 1S63, Chickianauga, Ga. 
Mclntire, M.. Capt, ISth "Wisconsin Yols., Oct 6, 1S64, Atlanta, Ga. 
Miller, C, Adjt, 14th Illinois Cavalry, Sept 13, 1863, Bean's Station, Tenn. 
McAdams, S. J., Lt., 10th Wisconsin Yols., Sept. 19, ISm, Jackson R., Ya. 

Norris, A. W., Lt., 107th Pennsylvania Yols., July 1, 1S63, Gettysburg, Pa. 
Norcrop, J. C, Lt. 2d Massachusetts Cavalry. July 12, 1833, Ashl.y's Gap, Yn. 
Neidenhoffer, C, Lt, 9th Indiana Yols., Ju y 11, 1864, Briers' Cross Roads, Ya. 
Nice, AY., Lt, 2d New York Cavalry, August 8, 1S63, Thoroughfare Gap, Ya. 
Nelson, W. H., Lt, 13th U". S. Infantry, July 11, 1863, Jackson, Miss. 
Nutting, J. H., Capt., 27th Massachusetts Yols., May 16, 1864, Drury's Bluff, Ya. 
Norris, 0. P., Lt, 111th Oiiio Yols., Nov. 15, 1SG4, Tennessee. 
Nelson, P., Major, 66th New Tork Yols., June 17, 1S64, Petersburg, Ya. 
Nelson, A., Lt., " " " 

Noggle, O. L., Lt, 2d U. S. Infantry, June 2, 1864, Mechanicsville, Ya. 
Nichols, C. H., Capt, 6th Connecticut Yols., Jan. 2, 1864, Bermuda Hundred, Ya. 
Newbrandt, J. F., Lt, 4th Missouri Cavalry, July 10, 1863, Union City, Tenn. 
Norwood, J., Lt, 76th New York Yols.. May 5, 1834, Wilderness, Ya. 
Neal, A. S., Lt, 5th Indiana Cavalry, June 3, 1S64, Sunshine Church, Ya. 
Napffer, A.. Capt, 72d Ohio Yols., June 11, 1864. Ripley. Miss. 
Norton, E. E., Capt, 24th Michigan Yols, May 5, 1864, Wilderness, Ya 
Nolan, H. J., Capt, 14th New York Cavalry. June 15, 1S63, Port Hudson, Misa, 
Nealy, O. H., Lt, 11th U. S. Infantry, May 5, 1864, Wilderness, Ya. 
Netterville, W. Mc, Lt, 12th " " " 

Nash, W. H , Capt, 1st U. S. S. S., * *• 



A PRISO:S'TrE OF WAB. 10? 

Neher, W., Lt, Tth Penn. E. Y. C. Mav 5, 1S64, Wilderness, Va, 

Kewscome, E,, Capt., Slst Iliinois Vo:s., June 13, 1S64, Salem, Miss. 

Nolan, L., Capt., 2d Delaware Yols., June 22, 15G4, Petersburg, Ya. 

Kudbam, J. B.. Lt, 4ta Yermont Yols., June 23. 1564, ^ 

Kiswander, D. N., Lt, 2d Pennsylvania Anillery, June 2, 1S64, Cold Ilarbor, Y». 

Newlin, C, Capt, Ttb Pennsylvania Cavalry, June 20, 1S64, Marietta, Ga. 

Nyraan, A. J., Lt, 19tb Maine Yols., Oct 27, lSo4, Adairsville, Ga. 

Outcast E. Y., Lt, 135tb Ohio Yols,, July 3, ISH N. Mount, Ya. 

O'Harri, J., Lt. Tth New York Artillery. June 16. 1S34, Petersburg, Ya. 

Ony, O. a, Lt, 2d Yirglnla Cav., May 12, 1S63, SamrnervlUe, Ya. 

Ottingen, W., Capt, Sth Tennessee Yols., March 2, 1S64, Greene Co., Ya. 

Osborne, R, Lt, 19th Massachusetts Yols., June 22. 1S84, Petersburg, Ya. 

Oiipbant, D., Lt, 35th New York Yols., July 22, 1864, Decatur, Ga. 

O'Brien, E., Capt, 29th Missouri YoL-., Nov. 27, 1S63, Panggold, Ga. 

O'Shea, E., Lt. 13t;h Pennsylvania Cav.. June 21, 1S64, St Mary's Church, Ya. 

Olcott D. W., Capt, 184th New York Yols., July 1, 1S63, Gettysburg, Pa. 

O'Kane, Jr., Lt., Tth Illinois Gdv., Nov. 8. 1363, Qainn s Mills, Miss. 

Oats, J. G., Lt, 3d Ohio Yols., Jan; 12, 15'34, Benton, Tenn. 

O'Conner, C, Lt, 55th Pennsylvania Yols., May 16, 1S64. Drury's BluflE, Ya. 

Owens, W. N., M&jor, 1st Kentucky Cav., Oct 20, 1863, Philadelphia, Tenn. 

Ogden, J., Lt, 1st Wisconsin Cavalry. 

Ogan, H. W., Capt, 14th Ohio Yols., Oct 19, 1S&4, Eough and Eeady Station, Gil 

Pickinpaugh, A. C, Lt., 6th W. Yirginia Yols., Jane 26, 1864, West Virginia. 
Picquet, H.. Lt, 32d Illinois Yoh., July 22, 1364, Atlanta, Ga. 
Parker, J. S., Lt. 13th Indiana Yols., July 22, 1364, Atlanta. Ga. 
Purviance, J. J., Lt, 130th Indiana Yols., July 1, 1364, M .rietta, Ga. 
Pratt, J. E., Major, 4th Yermont Vols., July 23, 1564, Petersburg, Ya, 
PuTuphry, J. B., Lt, 123d Ohio Yols., June 15, 1863, Winchester, Ya. 
Paxton, W. N., Lt. 140th Penasylyania Yols , July 2, 1563, Gettysburg, Pa. 
Parsons, W. L., Major, 2d Wisconsin Yols., May 5, 1564, Wilderness, Ya. 
Pierce, 11. II., Lt, Tth Connecticut Yols.. June 2, 1564. Bermuda Hundreds, Ya. 
Pasco, H. L., Majjr, 16th Connecticut Yols., April 20, 1564, Plymouth, N. C. 
Pitt, G. W., Lt, 55th New York Yds., April 20, 1564, Plpnouth, N. C. 
Piggot J. T., Capt, 5tb Pennsylvania Cav., June 24, 1864. St Mary's Church, Ya. 
Phelpos, L. D., Lt, 5th Pennsylvania C:iv., Oct 12,1863, Warrenton Springs, Ya. 
Pease, W. B., Capt, Hth U. S. I., June 2, 1864, Mechanics ville, Ya. 
Pentzet, D., Lt, 4th New York Cavalry. Sept 16, 1863, Er^ccoon Ford, Miss. 
Peetrey, J. G., Lt, 95th Ohio Yols., Jane 10, 1834, Tishimingo Creek, Miss. 
Powers, D. C, Capt., 6th Michigan Cav., June 15, 1564, Trevellyn, Ya. 
Parmala, J. E. Capt, Tth Maryland Yols., Feb. 22. 1364, Okolona, Miss. 
Penfield, J. A., 5th New York Cav., July 6, 1863, Hairerstown, Md. 
Potter, E. A., Lt, 6th Michigan, July 4, 1363, Falling Waters, Ya. 
Peake, S. S„ Lt, 55th New York Vols.. A[)ril 19, 1564, Plymouth, N. C. 
Pierson, E. C, Lt, 5.:th New York Yds.. April 20. 1854, Plymouth, N. O. 
Purlier, H., Lt, 20th Ohio Yols., Sept 19, 1S63, Chickamauga, Ga. 
Powell, O., Lt, 42d Ilinois Yds., Sept 2), 1363, Chiokamauga, Ga. 

17* 



198 NINETEEN MONTHS 

Pulliara, M. D., Lt, A.C.S., 11th Kentucky Cav., Oct. 20, 1863, Philadelphia, Tena 
Patterson, J. B., Lt.,21st Ohio Yols., Sept. 20, 1863, Chickamauga, Ga. 

Pruther, G. E., Lt, 116th Illinois Vols., July 22,' 1868, , Miss. 

Parson, M. P., Lt, 100th New York Yols., May 16, 1864, Drury's Bluff, Ya. 

Pemberton, H. Y., Lt, 14th New York H. A., June 11, 1864. Petersburg, Ya. 

Pillsbury, S. H., Capt,5th Maine Yols., July 24, 1863, White Plains, Ya. 

Parker, J., Capt, 1st New Jersey Yols., May 11, 1864, Wilderness, Ya. 

Powell, J. P., Capt, 146th New York Yols., May 6, 1864, Wilderness, Ya. 

Phares, W., Lt, 46th Pennsylvania Yols., Jan. 15, 1864, West Virginia. 

Paul, A. C, Capt, A. A. G., May 9,1864, Spottsylvania, Ya. 

Purley, J. P., Lt, 13th Michigan Yols., Sept 20, 1863, Chickanoauga, Ga. 

Paine, L. B., Capt, 121st New York Yols., May 6, 1864, Wilderness, Ya. 

Partridge, W. H., Lt, 67th New York Yols., May 6, 1364, Wilderness, Ya. 

Petit, G., Capt,- 20th New York Yols., June 1, 1864, Wilderness, Ya. 

Porter, E., Capt, 154th New York Yols., July 1, 1863, Gettysburg, Pa. 

Poole, S. B., Capt., 154th New York Yols , July 1, 1863, Gettysburg, Pa. 

Preston, A. S., Lt, 8th Michigan Yols., August 5, 1864, Gainesville, Ga. 

Phiuney, A., Lt, 9th Illinois Yols., July 22, 1864, Atlanta, Ga. 

Provine, W. M., Lt, 84th Illinois Yols., July 20, 1864, Atlanta, Ga, 

Pendleton, D. B., Capt., 5th Michigan Yols., June 11, 1864, Trevellyn. Ya, 

Porter, D. M., Capt, 120th 111. Yols., June 11, 1864, Northern Miss., Ya. 

Purdell, T., Lt, 16th Iowa Yols., July 16, 1864, Atlanta, Ga. 

Pennypacker, E. J., Capt, 18th Penn. Cav., Oct 4, 1863, Buckland Mills, Ya. 

Patterson, F. A., Capt, Sd Pennsylvania Cav. , June 15, 1863, Winchester, Va» 

Potter, H. C, Lt, 18th Pennsj^lvania Cav., July 6, 1863, Hagerstown, Md. 

Potts, C. P., Lt., 151st Pennsylvania Yols., July 1, 1863, Gettysburg, Pa. 

Paul, J. S., Lt, 122d Ohio Yols., June 15, 1863, Winchester, Ya. 

Powell, W. H., Lt., 2d Illinois Artillery, July 22, 1864. 

Philipp, F., Lt, 5th Pennsylvania Cav., March 1, 1864, S. Mills, N. C. 

Pierce, S. C, Capt, 8d New York Cav., Jane 29, 1864, Eeam's Station, Ya. 

Price, C. A., Lt, 3d Michigan Yols., June 22, 1864, Petersburg, Ya. 

Pretzman, C. N., Lt., Tth Wisconsin Yols., Oct 19, 1Sd3, Hay market, Ya. 

Potter, G. A., Lt, 2d Kentucky Yols., May 26, 1868, Murfre.esboro, Tenn. 

Peters, G., Lt, 9lh New York Yols., May 16, 1864, Drury's Bluff, Ya. 

Pitt, J. H , Lt, 108th New York Yols., May 16, 1864, Drury's Bluff, Ya, 

Potts, J. H, Lt, 75th Ohio Yols., July 2, 1863, Gettysburg, Pa. 

Post, James, Lt, 149th Pennsylvania Yols., May 28, 1864, Hanover Junction, Ya. 

Page, J. C, Capt, 5th Iowa Yols., Nov. 25, 1863, Mission Ridge, Ga. 

Pierce, G. S., Capt., 19th U. S. Infantry, Sept, 20, 1863, Chickamauga, Ga. 

Pace, N. C, Capt, 80th Illinois Yols., May 3, 1868, Rome, Ga. 

Piper, S. B., Lt, 3d Ohio Yols., May 3, 1863, Rome, Ga. 

Palmer, E. L., Lt, 57th New York Yols., Aug. 1, 1863, Morrisville, Ya. 

Phelps, J. D., Capt., 73d Indiana Yols., May 3, 1868, Rome, Ga. 

Parker, J. M., Lt, 48th Illinois Yols., July 18, 1864, Atlanta, Ga. 

Penny, F. W., Capt, 10th Wisconsin Yols., Sept 20, 1863, Chickamauga, Ga. 

Poston, J. L., Capt, 13th Tennessee Yols., April 12, 1864, Fort Pillow, Tenn. 

Pitson, S. Y., Lt, 126th Qhio Yols., Nov. 27, 1863, Mine Run, Ya. 

Fool«, J. F., Lt., U% Yirginia Cavalry, July 18, 1863, Hagwstown, Md» 



A PRISONER OF WAR. 199 

Peterson, C. G., Lt, 1st Rhode Island Cav., June 18, 1863, Middleburg, Va. 

Parker, E. B., Lt, 1st Yermont H. Artillery, June 23, 1864, Petersburg, Va. 

Peck, H. D., Lt.-, 2d New York Oav., June 22, 1834, Pweam"s Station, Ya. 

Pelton, E. W., Lt., 2d Md, Yds., June 3, 1864, Morefield, Ya. 

Patterson, G. W., Lt, l:i5th Ohio Yols., July 3, 18G4, N. Mount, Ya. 

Powers, J. L , Lt, 157th New York Yols., July 1, 1863, Gettysburg, Pa. 

Price, J. C, Lt, T5th Ohio Yols., Aug. 17, 1864, Nunanville, Ga. 

Paine, H. C, Lt, 20th Illinois Yols., Sept 22, 1863, Mission Ridge, Ga. 

Porter, P. B., Capt, 10th New York Art, June 22, 1864, St Mary's Church, Y». 

Perrin, L., Lt, 77th Ohio Yols., June 12, 1864, Ripley, Miss. 

Plfttt 8. n., Lt, 54 Massachusetts Yolunteers. 

Porter, L. G., Lt, 80th Illinois Yolunteers. 

Paine, J. A., Capt, 2d Indiana Cavalry. 

Phelps, L. D., Major, 5th Virginia. 

Palmer, J. H., Lt, 12th Ohio. 

Pettijohn, D. B., Lt, 2d U. S. S. S., July 2, 1863, Gettysburg, Pa. 

Pickerell, W. F., Capt., 5th Iowa Yols., Nov. 25, 1863, Mission Ridge, Ga. 

Pope, W. A., Lt, 18th Wisconsin, Oct 5, 1864, Allatoona, Ga. 

Ping, T., Capt, 17th Iowa Yols., Oct 13, 1864, Tilton, Ga. 

Park, A., Lt, 17th Iowa Yols., " « 

Quigg, D., Major, 14th Illinois Cavalry, Aug. 11, 1864, Athens, Ga. 

Rus, M., Lt, 72d Ohio Yols., June 11, 1864, Ripley, Miss. 
Robinson, J. L., Lt, 7th Tennessee Cav., March 2, 1864, Union City, Tenn. 
Robins, M., Capt., 2d Missouri Yols., July 1, 1863, Gettysburg, Pa. 
Rockwell, W. E., Lt, 134th New York Yols., July 1, 1863, Gettysburg, Pa 
Robinson, G. A, Lt, 80th Ohio Yols., Nov. 25, 1863, Chickamauga, Ga. 
Rose, "W. B., Lt, 106th Pennsylvania Yols., June 22, 1864, Petersburg, Ya. 
Reynolds, W. J., Capt, 75th Ohio Yols., Aug. 17, 1864, Newman, Ga. 
Rough, J., Capt, 1st Illinois Artillery, June 31, 1864, Petersburg, Ya. 
Robbins, N, A., Lt, 4th Maine Yols, July 2, 1863, Gettysburg, Pa. 
Reynolds, E. P., Lt, 5th Tennessee Cav., May 22, 1863, Huntsville, Ga. 
Robison, J. F., Lt, 67th Pennsylvania Yols., June 15, 1863, Winchester, Ya. 
Ruff, J., Lt, 67th Pennsylvania Yols., " " '* 

Robertson, G. W., Lt, 2d Michigan Yols., Sept 20, 1S63, Chickamauga, Ga. 
Rossman, W. C, Capt, 3d Ohio Yols., May 3, 1863, Rome, Ga. 
Russel, M., Capt, 51st Indiana Yols., " « 

Randall, W., Lt, 80th Illinois Yols., " « 

Rosencranzs, A. C, Capt, 4th Indiana Yds., May 9, 1864, Dalton, Ga. 
Rowley, G. A, Lt, 2d U. S. I., June 2, 1864, Mechanicsville, Ya. 
Richley, J. A., Capt, 73d Indiana Yols., May 3, 1863, Rome, Ga. 
Roach, A. 0., Lt, 57th Indiana Yols., " " 

Reid, J. A., Lt, 2d New York Yols., April 20. 1864, Plymouth, N. C. 
Robins, B. E., Lt, 95th Ohio Yols., Jane 10, 1864, Tishimingo, Miss. 
Ryder, S. B , Capt, 5th New York Cav., Oct 11, 1863, James City, Ya. 
Russell, J. H., Lt, 12th Massachusetts Yols., July 1, 1863, Gettysburg, Pa. 
Reynolds, W. II., M^jor, 14th New York Artillery, June 17, 1S64, Pet«r»barg, Vk 



200 NINFTF.E.V MONTIig 

Eobinson, W. A., Capt, 77th Pennsylvania Volunteers. 
Eussell, J. A., Capt., 93d Illinois Vols., Nov. 25, 1863, Mission Eidgo, Ga. 
Eoacb, W. E., Lt, 49th New York Vols., June 30, 1864, Eeam's Station, V». 
Eogers, O., Capt., 4th Kentucky Vols., Sept 21, 1SG3, Stephen's Gap, Va. 
Eockwell, J. A., Lt., 99th New York Vols., July 1, 1863, Gettysburg, Pa. 
Paiger, J. M.. Lt, 57th Pennsylvania Vols., June 22, 1S64, Petersburg, Va. 
Eaymond, H. W., Lt., Sth New York Artillery, June 3, 1S64, Cold Harbor, Va. 
Eoach, S., Lt, 100th Illinois Vols., Sept 20, 1863, Chickamauga, Ga. 
Eoss, C. W., Lt, 1st Kentucky M. D., Sept 15, 1863, Lagrange, Ky. 
Eichards, L. S., Lt, 1st Vermont Artillery, June 20, 1864, Petersburg, Va. 
Eiggs, B. T., Capt, 11th Kentucky Vols., Sept 20, 1863, Chickamauga, Ga. 
Eos|, J. E., Lt, 120th Illinois Vols., June 12, 1864, Northern Miss. 
Eomids, J. E., Lt, 145th Pennsylvania Vols., June 12, 1864, Petersburg, Va. 
Eoberts, E. E., Lt, 7th Illinois Vols., May 7, 1864, Florence, Ala. 
Eead, J. H., Lt, 120th Illinois Vols., June 14, 1S(>4, Northern Miss. 
Eichards, J. N., Lt, 1st Virginia Vols., June 21, 1864, Virginia. 
Eandolph, J. P., Capt, 123d Ohio Vols., June 15, 1863, Winchester, Va. 
Einge, G, Adjt, 100th Ohio Vols., Sept 6, 1863, Jonesboro, Tenn. 
Eice, J. S., Lt, 13th Indiana Vols., July 22, 1854, Atlanta, Ga. 
Eienecker, G., Lt., 5th Pennsylvania Cav., June 29, 18G4, Petersburg, Va. 
Eothe, H., Lt, 15th New York Artillery, May 15, 1864, Spottsylvania, Va. 
Eichardson, H., Lt, 19th Indiana Vols., July 1, 1863, Gettysburg, Pa. 
Eubb, W. J., Capt, 1st Virginia Vols., Jan. 31, 1864, Hardee County, Va. 
Eam.sey, E. E., Lt, 1st New Jersey Vols., May 6, 1864, Wilderness, Va. 
Eoss, 0. II., Adjt., 13th Indiana Vols., June 2, 1864, Mechanicsville, Va. 
Eiley, L. H., Lt, 7th Pennsylvania E. V. Cav., May 5, 1364, Wilderness, Va, 
Eice, J. A., Capt, 73d Illinois Vols., Sept 20, 1863, Chickamauga, Ga. 
Eatilly, W. L., Lt, 51st Pennsylvania Vols., Sept 20, 1S63, Chickamauga, Ga. 
Bobbins, A., Capt., 123d Ohio Vols., June 15, 1863, Winchester, Va. 
Eosembaum, O. H., Capt, 123d Ohio Vols., June 16, 1863, Winchester, Va. 
Eay, T. J., Lt, 49th Ohio Vols., Sept 19, 1863, Chickamauga, Ga. 
Eisden, J, Lt, 11th Tennessee Cav., Feb. 22, 1864, Lee County, Va. 
Robs,.E. W., Lt, 1st Tennessee Vols., Oct 19, 1863, Eayler, Tenn. 
Eahn, O., Lt, 184th Pennsylvania Vols., June 22, 1864, Petersburg, Va. 
Eing, a!, Lt, 12th Ohio Vols., May 12, 1864, Virgin-ia. 
Enter, H., Capt, 52d New York Vols., June 22, ise4, Petersburg, Va. 
Eichardson, J. A., Lt, 2d New York Cav., July 5, 1863, Emmettsburg, Pa. 
Euby, S. v., Lt, 7th Pennsylvania E., May 5, 1864, Wilderness, Va. 
Eomain, L., Lt, 2d New York Volunteers. 

Eoberts, G., Lt, 7th New Hampshire Vols., Feb. 20, 1834, Olustee, Fla. 
Eoss, a, Lt., 7tb Vermont L, Feb. 9, 1864, Florida. 
Eeynolds, H., Lt, 42d Illinois Vols., Sept 20, 1863, Chickamauga, Ga. 
Eooney, J. C, Lt 
Eobinson, G. B., Lt 
Eichards, J. S., Lt 

Eugg, 0. L., Lt, 6th Indiana Cav., Aug. 3, 1S64, Athens, Ga, 
Eoger, J. E., Lt, 1571;h Pennsylvania Vols., April 16, 1864^ Fairfax Court Honae, 
Virginia 



A ..PRISONER OF WAR. 201 

Sturgeon, W, R., Lt, 107th Pennsylvania Vols., July 14, 1864, Petersburg, Va* 
Socks, J., Lt, 5th Maryland Vols., June 15, 1SG3, Winchester, Va. 
Sweadner,J., Lt, ' " " " 

Stewart, T. H., Lt, " " " 

Smith, O. J., Major, 6th Indiana Cavalry, August 3, 1S64, Atlanta, Ga. 
Swifc, E., Lt., 74th Illinois Vols., September 24, 1S64, Jonesboro, Ga. 
Sutherland, L. W., Capt, S5th New York Vols , April 20, 1S64, Plymouth, N. OL 
Shaefer, James, Capt., 101st Pennsylvania Vols., ** ** 

String, E. K, Lt., IGih Connecticut Vols., " *' 

Sampson, J. B., Capt, 2d Massachusetts H. Artillery, " *• 

Sinclair, R. B.. Lt, " « « ** 

Starr, G. R, Capt, 104th New York Vols., July 3, 1S63, Gettysburg, Pa. 
Swift, R. R., Capt., 27th Massachusetts Vols., May 1G,_1SG4, Drury's Bluff, Va. 
Stroman, C. P., Lt, S7th Pennsylvania Vols., June 15, 1S63, Winchester, Va. 
Sibley, H. L., Lt, 116th Ohio Vols., ** *♦ 

Spineller, J., Lt, 73d Illinois Vols , September 20, 1S63, Chickamauga, Ga, 
Spencer, S. A., Capt, 2Sth Indiana Vols., '* " • 

Spafford. A. C, Lt, 41st Ohio Volunteers, «* « 

Smith, M. H., Lt, 123d " June 15, 1863, Winchester, Va. 

Schuyler, J, F.,Lt, " " « 

Stover, J. C, Capt, 3d Tennessee Vols., July 24, 1S64, Knoxville, Tenn. 
Stover, M. H., Lt., lS4th Pennsylvania Vols., June 22, 1S64, Petersburg, Va. 
Stevens, J. H., Lt, 6th Maine Vols., Dec. 14, 1S63, Wilford" Ford, Viu 

Swan, E. L., Capt, 76th New York Vols., May 6, 1S64, Wilderness, Va. 

Sweet, W. H. S., Lt, 146th " " « 

Stevens, F., Lt, 190th Pennsylvania Vols., June 13, 1S64, Malvern Hill, Va. 

Stewart, C, Lt, 124th New York Vols., June 1, 1S64, Mechanicsville, Va. 

Shanan, M., Lt, 140th " May 5, 1S64, Wilderness, Va. 

Stevens, J. R., 40th " May 6, IS 64, ^ » 

Schell, G. L., Capt, SSth Pennsylvania Vols., July 1, 1S63, Gettysburg, Pa. 

Schofleld, E. D., Capt, SSth Pennsylvania R., May 6, 1864, Wilderness, Va. 

Shutter, IL, Lt, 43d New York Vols., . *• " 

Sealy, H. B., Lt., 86th " July 2, 1863, Gettysburg, Pa. ^ 

Sanders, A. H , Col, 16th Iowa Vols., July 22, 1864, Atlanta, Ga. 

Shedd, W., Col., 30ch Illinois Vols., " " 

Strange, H. W., Capt , 

Smith, J. S. A., Capt, 16th Indiana Vols., " « 

Stoel, J. M., Lt, 1st Virginia Vols., Sept 11, 1863, MoreSeld, Va. 

Schroeders, E., Lt, 74th Pennsj'lvania Vols., July 1, 1 863, Gettysburg, Pa. 

Sittir, J. R, Lt., 2d Pennsylvania Cavalry, May 7, 1864, Todd's Tavern, Va. 

Sweatland, A. A., Lt, " July 12, 1864, Petersburg, Va. 

Schroad, J. C, Capt, 77ih Penn. Vola, Sept 19, 1S63, Chickamauga, Ga. 

Singer, G. P., Capt, 33d Ohio Volunteers, " 20, " *• 

Shaw, J. C, Lt , 7th »' Nov. 6, 1863, Rogersville, Tenn. 

Shepard, D. J., Lt, 7th Kentucky Vols., May 5, 1863, Nashville, Tenn. 

Sherman, A. L , Lt, 3d Indiana Vols., June 29, 1S64, Ream's Station, Va. 

Spaulding, E. G., Lt, 22d Michigan Vols., Sept 20, 1863^ Chickamauga, Gi, 

Bnyder, J., Capt, 14th New York Vols., June 17, 1864, Petersburg, Va, 



202 NINETEEN MONTHS 

Smith, a B., Lt, 4th New York Cavalry, Sept 16, 1S63, Eaccoon Ford, Va. 

SmiLh, A. M., Lt, 1st Tennessee Cavalry. July 31, 1S61, Chartaboochee, Ga. 

Sutler, C , Lt, 80th New York Yds., Dec. 2, 1SG3, Mine Run, Ya, 

Sp:iulding, E. J., Lt, 2d United States Cavalry. June 9, 1S63. Bran Jy Station, Ya. 

Smyihe, W. H.,Lt, ICth •' Infantry, Sept. 19, 1S63, Cbickama^iga, Ga. 

Schanuierhorn, J., Capt., 42d Indiana Yols., Sept. 20, 1SG3, Cinckamauga, Ga. 

Siuiffer, IL C, Lt., 2d New York Cav., Oct 10, 1SG3, Culpepper, Ya. 

Swayzie, AY A., Capt., 8d Ohio Yols., May 3, 1S63; Pwome, Ga. 

Sharp, E. E., Lt, 5Tth Indiana, ** " 

Smith, J. C, Lt, 24th Indiana Battery, July 31, 1SC4, Macon, Ga. 

Simpson, G. W., Lt, 6Tth Pennsylvania Yols., June 15, 1S63, AVinchester, Va. 

Scliromforth, P., Lt, 24th Illinois Yols., Sept 20, 1853, Chickamauga, Ga. 

Saber, G. E., Lt., 2d llliode Island Cavalry, August 3, 1S33, Jackson, La. 

Schroeder,E. L., Lt, 5th Marjiand Yols., June 15, 1S63, Winchester, Ya. 

Sullivan, J., Adjt., Tth Rhode Island Yols., July 13. 1SC3, Jackson, Mi^3. 

Smith, J., Lt, 6T[h Pennsylvimia YoLs., June 15, 1S63, Winchester, Ya. 

Smith, J. B., Lt, 5th Western Ya. Cav., May 13, 1S64, Middletown, Ya. 

Sandon, W., Lt. 1st Wisconsin Cay., May 9, 1S64, Dalton, Ga. 

Schortz, L., Capt, 12th Pennsylvania C^v., June 15, 1S63, Winchester, Ya. 

Smih, E. B . Lt, l^t Yermont AnU'ery, June 23, 1SG4, Petersburg, Ya. 

Sharp, G. A., Lt, 19th Pennsylvania Cav., Feb. 13, 1S64. Holly Springs, Ya. 

Sroughton, II. Pw., Lt. Col, 2d U. S. S. S., June 21, 1S::4, Petersburg, Ya. 

Stone, L. L It, Quartermaster, 2d Yermont Yols., Oct. 2 J, 1363, Warrenton, Ya. 

Smith, L. S., Lt, 14tli New York Cav,, June 15, 1S63, Port Hudson, La. 

Stoke, G. W.,Lt, 103d Pennsylvania Yols., April 20, 1564, Plymouth, N. 0. 

Spence, D. M., Lt, 

Smuliin, F.. Capt, 

Sunford, O. L , Major, Tth Connecticut Yols , June 2, 1S64, Drury's Bluff; Ya. 

Stflle, J.. Major, 3d Penn^^ylvania Cav., July 12, 1S64, j?etersburg, Ya. 

Smith, J. P.. Lt, JuYie 2, lS6i, Cold Harbor, Ya. 

Skinner, J. L., Lt, 27th Massachusetts Yols., May 16, ISot Drury's Bluff, Ya. 

Stevens, J. C, Lt, 52d Pennsylvania Yols., Juiy 3, 1S63, Fort Johnson, S. C. 

Smi^h, T. W., Majoi', Tth Tenn. Cav., March 24, 1S64, Union City, Tenn. 

Spuco, L. B., Major, Tth Pennsylvania K., May 5, 1S34, Wilde^ne:^s, Ya. 

Skelton, A. S., Capt, 57th Ohio Yols., July 22, 1S64, Atlanta, Ga, 

Smart, G. F. C, Capt, 145th Pennsylvania Yols., June 16, 1364, Petersburg, Va, 

Schurr, C, Lt, Tth New York Yols., " " ^ 

Swope, C. T., Lt., 4ih Kentucky Yols., July 31, 1S64, Jonesboro, Ga 

Stewart A. S., Lt, " " 

Singer, A. W., Lt, 21st Illinois Yols., Sept 20, 1SG3, Chickamauga, Ga. 

Schnttz, W., Capt, 37th Ohio Yols , July 22, 1361, Atlanta, Ga. 

Strickland, E. P., Lt, 114th Illinois Yo^s., May 11, 1S34, Tishimingo Creek, Miss-. 

Smith, P., Lt, 4th Tennessee Yols., August 1, 1364, Franklin, Ga. 

Stanton, J. W., Lt, 5ih Indiana Cavalry, July 81, 1564, Sunshine Church, Ya. 

Soper, M. IL, Major, " '• '• 

Shaffer, W. H., Lt., 5th Pennsylvania Cav., June 29, 1SG4. Petersburg, Ya. 

Stratford, S.. A., Lt, 42d New York Yols., June 22, 1364, 

Sears, D. C, Lt, 94th * " July 1,1363, Gettysburg, Pa. 



A PRISONER OF WAR. .203 

Bheppard, E., Lt, 6th Ohio Cavalrr, Sept. 1, 1S63, Bo-^lins Cross Eoads, Ta. 

Scripture, F. E., Quarteraiaster, Tih N. Y. Art. M.iy 27, 1S64, Bowling Green, Ysk 

Smy the, S. S., Lt., 1st Illinois Yols., July 22, 1S64, Atlanta, Ga. 

Smith, A B., Capt, 4Sib " July 21,1864, 

Slniraons, A B., Lt.. 5th Indiana Car., Jdiy 31, ISlU, " 

Star, H. P., Lt, 22d New York Cav., May S, 18-34, Chancenorsville, Ya. 

Smith, J. E., Lt, 154th New York Yois , July 1, 1S63, Get ysburg, Pa. 

Sprung, B., Lt.75th Ohio Yols,, August IT, 1564, Xunnn. Ga. 

St John, W. H.. Lt, 5th In*iiana Caxalry, June 3, 1SC4. Sunshine Church, Ga. 

Schule, G., Lt, 45:h Ne\v York Yols., Ju;y 1, 1363, Gettysburg. Pa. 

Sampson, J. B., Lt, 12th Massachusetts Yois., July 1, lS6o, Gettysburg, Pa. 

Stover, A. E,, Lt, 95th Ohio Yols., June 10, 1SG4, Tishimingo Creek, Miss. 

Smith, D. D., Capt, 1st Tennessee Yols., May 3, 3SG3, Home, Ga. 

Stansbury,M. L., Capt. 95ih Ohio Yols., June li>, 1?64, Barbours Cross Eoads,YiL 

Schofield. R., Capt, 1st Yermont Cav., July 12, lSt3, Hagerstou-n, Md. 

Syring, Wm., Capt, 45th New York Yols., July 1, 1S63, Gettysburg, Pa. 

Stone, 0. P., Lt, 1st Yermont Cav., June 1. 1S64, Ashland, Ya. 

Spencer, F., Lt., ITth Ohio Yols., Sept 20, 1S63, Chickamauga. Ga. 

Sheppard, E. A, Capt, 110th Ohio Yols^Tjune 15, 1S.'33, Winchester, Ya. 

Shroeder, C. H., Lt, S2d Illinois Yols., July 1, 15C3, Gettysburg, Pa. 

Shelton, N. IT., Lt, 1st New York Artillery, May 5, 1S(>4, AVilderness, Ya. 

Smith, M S., Lt., 16th Maine Yols., " 6, '* '' 

Scudder, A. A , Quartermaster, 35th Penn. Yols., Feb. 14, 1S(>4, BrentsTille, Ya. 

Scooville, H. C, Lt, 92d Illiuois Yols., April 23, 1^64, Pvinggold, Ga. 

Stebbins, J., Lt, 77th New York Yols.. May 12, 1S64, Spott^ylvania C. EL, Ya. 

Swf.rtz, O. S., Lt, 2d New Jersey Cavalry. 

Smith, n. J., Capt, 53d Pennsylvania Yols., June 16, 1S64, Petersburg, Ya. 

Sailor. J., Lt, loth Pennsylvania Cavalry, June 24, 1S(>4, St Mary's Church, Ya. 

Sergeant, TV. G., Lt, 1st Yermont Artillery, June 23, 1864, Petersburg, Yx 

Singer, H. C. Lt, 2d Maryland Yols , June 12, 1864. 

Scott E. F., Lt, 11th Kentucky Cavalry, November 14, 1863, Maysville, Tenn. 

Schooley, D., Capt, 2d Pennsylvania Artillery, July, 1864, Petersbnrg, Ya. 

Stewart It K.,Lt., 2d New York Yols., May 19, 1S64, Spottsylvauia, Ya. 

String, F. B., Capt, 11th Kentucky Cavalry, November 14, 186^3, Maysville, Tenn 

Stone, D., Capt, 118th New York Yols., May 16, 1864, Drury's Bluff, Ya. 

Snowwhite, E. H. A., Lt, 1st Pennsylvania P., May 5, 1564, Wilderness, Ya. 

Stollman, C. H.,Lt, S7th Pennsylvania Yols. 

Stribling, M. W., Lt , 61st Ohio Yols., May 25, 1864, Dallas. Ga. 

Stewart, A. J., Capt and A A G,, April 20, 1864, Plymouth, N. C 

Shoemaker, F. M., Lt. 

Sill, E. E., Lt, 136th New York Yols., May 25, 1864, Dallas, Ga. 

Scott, George, Lt, 10th Indiana Yols., July 6, 1864, Atlanta, Ga. 

Sutcher, C. B , Capt, 16th Illinois Yols., May 12, 1SG4, Dal ton, Ga. 

Smith, J., Lt., 5th Pennsylvania Cavalry, June 29, 18G4, Reani*s Station, Ya. 

Stevens. C. G., Lt, 154th New York Yols., July 1, 1863, Gettysburg, Pa. 

Simpson, J. D., Lt, 10th Indiana Yols., Sept 20. 186^3, Chiokamauga, Giu 

Segar, F. W., Lt., 80th Illinois Yols., May 3,1863, Korae,Ga. 

Stout, J. 0., Lt, Ohio Cavalry (McGloffen Squad), Oct 5, 1864, Decatur, Oa. 



204 iniSTETEEN MONTHS 

Shepotmy, M. W., Lt, Ohio Cavalry (McGloffen Squad), May 21, 186i Dallas, Ga. 
6hurtz,"E., Capt, 8th Iowa Cavalry, July 30, 1S64, Macon, Ga. 

Tuthill, P. A., Lt, 104th New York Vols., July 1, 1S63, Gettysburg, Pa. 

Thompson, B. E., Capt., 9th Ohio Vols., Sept 20,1863, Chickamauga, Ga. 

Tainter, H. S., Lt, 82d New York Vols , May 25, 1S64, Hanover Junction, Va^ 

Tamer, D., Lt, 118th Illinois Vols., May 24, 1863, Raymond, Miss. 

Tomkins, A., Lt,59th New York Vols., June 22.1864, Petersburg, Va. 

Thomas, D., Major, 135th Ohio Vols , July 3, 1864, North Anna River, Va. 

Trout, B. W., Lt., 106th Pennsylvania, June 22, 1864, Petersburg, Va. 

Thonnburg, J. M., Lt, 39th Kentucky Vols., June 9, 1863, Boyd County, Ky. 

Thompson, C. H., Major, 5th Indiana Cavalry, July 31, 18&4, Sunshine Church, Va. 

Tilloston, H. H., Lt,73d Indiana Vols., May 3, 1863, Rome, Ga. 

T-eeter, A. J., Lt, 2d Ohio Vols., Sept 20, 1863, Chickamauga, Ga. 

Thompson, J. S., Lt, 10th Vermont Vols., June 1, 1864, Cold Harbor, Va. 

Thorp, T. J., Lt Col., 1st New York Drag., « Trevellyn, Va. 

Tenvilliger, J. E., Capt, 85th New York Vols., April 20, 1864, Plymouth, N. a 

Turner, M. C, Capt, 16th Connecticut, « *♦ 

Tilbrand, H., Capt, 4th N. H. Vols., Maf 16, 1864, Bermuda Hundred, Va. 

Taylor, A. A.,Lt, 122d Ohio Vols., June'l5, 1863, Winchester, Va. 

Thompson, R., Lt, 67th Penn. Vols., " " 

Taylor, E., Lt., 1st Connecticut Cavalry, May 4, 1S64, Wilderness, Va. 

Thayer, H. O., Lt, 6Tth Pennsylvania Vols., June 15, 1863, Winchester, Va. 

Thorn, R. F., Lt, 5th Kentucky Vols., Sept 21, 1863, S. Gap, Ga. 

Tinninn, A, Lt, 16th Iowa Vols., July 22, 1864, Atlanta, Ga. 

Tyler, L. D. C, Capt,, 106th Pennsylvania Vols., June 22, 1864, Petersburg, Va. 

Tiffany, A. W., Lt, 9th Minnesota Vols., June 11, 1864, Salem, Miss. 

Turner, J. H., Capt, 16th Indiana Vols., July 22, 1864, Atlanta, Ga. 

Thompson, J., Capt 

Teneyck, S., Capt, 18th U. S. L. Sept 21, 1863, Chickamauga, Ga. 

Tayor, H., Lt, 55th Indiana Vols., Dec. 14, 1863, Bean's Station, Va. 

Temple, H., Lt, 2d New York Cavalry, Sept 19, 1863, Jackson, Va. 

Thomas, A.V.,Lt,73d Indiana Vols., May 3, 1863, Rome, Ga. 

Thompson, S. C, Capt, 95th New York Vols., May 6, 1864, Wilderness, Va» 

True, Wm. M., Lt., 16th Iowa Cavalry, June 3, 1863, Jonesville, Va. 

Thompson. J. J., Ass't Surgeon, 12th Ohio Vols., May 12, 1864, Cioyd House, Va. 

Tybballs, H. G., Capt, 12th Ohio Vols., May 19, 1864, MeddonBlufl^ Va. 

Taylor, J., Lt, 2d Pennsylvania R., May 5, 1864, Wilderness, Va. 

Templeton, 0. F<, Capt, 107th Pennsylvania Vols., July 1, 1863, Gettysburg, Pa. 

Todd, H, H., Capt, Sth New York Vols., May 19, 1864, Spottsylvania, Va. 

Todd, O., Lt, 18th Wisconsin Vols., Oct 5, 1864, Allatoona, Ga. 

Twiss, D. W., Lt, 17th Iowa Vols, 

Thompson, T., Lt., " 

Tipton, A. F., Lt, Sth Iowa Cavalry. 

TJnthank, C. L., Capt, 11th Kentucky Cavalry, May 24, 1864, Cap Station, Ga. 
Ullenbaugh, G., Lt, 1st Ohio Vols., Sept 20, 1863, Chickamauga, Ga. 
Urwiller, S. C, Capt, 67th Pennsylvania Vols., June 15, 1863, Winchester, Va. 



A PPwISO]^R OF WAFw 205 

(Jlem, J., Lt, 8d Ohio Vol?., May 3, 1S63, Rome, Ga. 
Uptigrove, J. Pw.. Lt, 73.1 In 1. Vols, May % 1Sj3, Pwome, Ga. 
TJn'lenlown. J. D., Capt, 2a Tonn. Vols., Nov. 6, 1SG3, Ro^prsrille. Tenu. 
UiflftTS. II. A., Capt. and X. A. G , Jane 6, 1S64. BetUsHirla Church, Va. 
Underwood, J. W., Capt, 7th Ohio Vols.", July 22, 1S64, Ailaiita, Ga, 

Van Keiser, A., Capt, 20th New York Vols , June 20, 1SG4. A. P. Gap, Va. 

Van Natter, R. N., Lt, 1st Michigan Cavalry, Jnly 6. 1SG3, Hagerstown, Md. 

Van Yalocha, D. D , Lt, 12th U.S. L, May 5, 1SG4, Wilderness, Va. 

Vanderhoef. J., Capt, 45th New York Vols., July 1, 1S63, Gettysburg, Pa. 

Vettford, G., Lt, 54th " '• " • 

Vickers, D., Major, 4th New Jersey Vols., May 5, 1864, Wilderness, Va. 

Von Ilclnirick, G., Lt. Col., 4th Missouri Cav.alry, June 10, 1S64, North Mi.ssissippL 

Von Ketterohnung, IL, Lt., 103d New York Vols, June 2, 1S54, Morris Is., S. C. 

Vriary, F., Lt, S5th New York Vols., April 20, 1SG4, Plymouth, N. C. 

Van Dorn, D.,Lt, 72a Ohio Vols., June 11, 1S64, Salem. Miss. 

Van Ness, G. A., Lt, 73d Indiana Vols., May 3. 1SG3. Rome, Ga. 

Van Ransslair, C, Lt, 14SN. Y. V., June 15, 1SG4, Petersburg. Va. 

Vaughn, Z., Capt, 1st Maine Cav., May 11, 1SC4, North Anna River, Va. 

Van Buren. G. M., Capt, 5th N. Y. Cav., July 6, 1SG3, WUaerness, Va. 

Weakley, T. J., Lt, 110th Ohio Vols., Jane 15, 1SG3, Worcester. Va. 
Whitney, J. N., Lt., 2a Rhode Mland €av., July 2. 1SG3. Port lluds<»n, La. 
Wiliett.s W., Lt, 22d Michigan Vols., Sept 20. 15G3. Ciiickamauga, Ga. 
Washeow, F., Lt, 54[h New York Vols., July 1, 1SG3, Gettysbars:, P;\. 
Wiltshire, J. N., Lt, 45th Ohio Vols., Nov. 15, 1363, Knoxville, lenn. 
Weaver, J. R, Lt, ISth Pennsylvania Cav., Oct 11, 1S63, Brandy Station, Va. 
Wilson, J., Capt, .S7th Ohio Vols., July 12, 1364, Atlanta, Ga. 
W^est. J. n., Capt, 4th Kentucky, July 29, 1364, Jonesboro, Ga. 
Warner, J. B., Lt., Sth Michigan Vols., Aug. i 15G4, Athens, Ga. 
Warner, James, Lt, 33d N. Y. Vols., July 30, 1564, Atlanta, Ga. 
White, A. B., Adjt, 4tii Pennsylvania Vols., Oct 12, 1-63, Lead Springs, G^ 
Wilson, R., Lt, 113th Illinois Vols., June 11, 1864, Ripley, Miss. 
Williams, W. H., Capt, 4th New York Vols., Sept 16, 1S63, Virginia. 
Whiteside, J. C, Capt, 94th New York Vols., Jnly 1, 1363, Getty.sburg, Pa. 
Wicher, W. B., Capt, 2Ist Ohio Vols., Sept 20, 1SG3, Chickamauga, Ga. 
Wistbrook, U. S.. Capt, 135ih Ohio Vols., July 3, 1364, N. Mount, Va. 
Woodwara, J. E , Lt, ISth Connecticut Vols., June 15, 1S63, Winchester, V». 
Wanzer, G. G., Major, 24:h New York Cav., May 6, 1364, Wilderness, Va. 
Warren, J, S., Lt, 1st Wisconsin Cav., Aug. 3, 136k Atkins, Gx 
Wasson, J. M., Lt, 40th Ohio Vols., Sept 20, 1363, Mission R., Ga. 
Walker, J., Lt. Sth Tennessee Vols., Aug. 6, 1S64, Atlanta, Ga. 
Webb. G. W.. Capt, 2d Pennsylvania Artillery. June 2, 1364, Cold H.-irbor, V». 
West O. W., Lt, 1st New York Dragoons, May 9, 1364, Wiiaerness, Va. 
Williams, R , Capt, 12th Ohio Vols , May 9. 1364, Newbern Department, W. Va. 
Welch, J. C Lt, 85th New York Vols., April 20, 1564, Plymouth, N. C. 
Warwick, J., Lt, 101st Pennsylvania VoK, April 20, 1S64, Plymouth, N. 0, 
Wheeler, J. D., Capt, 15th Connecticut Vols., *• ♦• 

18 



206 NINETEEN MONTHS 

Wilson, "W. M., Capt., 122(1 Ohio Yols.,:Ma7 6, 1S54, Wilderness, Ya. 

Williams, Wm., Lt,, SthMicliiL'an C:iv., August 0, ISGt, ^^acoI1, Ga. 

Weiiks, K. J., Lt, 6Tih Pennsylvania Vols., June 15, 13 J3, Winchester, Ya. 

WfUli, AV, II. IL, Lt, STth '*^ " . " . • 

y»'i:c<.\-, C. W., Lt, 9Ui New Hampshire Yols., May 12, 1S04, Spottsylvanift, Ya. 

Wiuri.k, J. E., CV.pt, 10th Pennsylvania Cav., April S, 1SG4, Mcmi>his, Tenn. 

While, C. W., Capi., 8d Pennsylvania Cav., June 15, ISGG, Wilderness, Ya, 

WiMiams, G., Lt, Sth Michigan V'ols., August 7, 1SG4, Covington, Ga. 

Wright I). C Lt, ol.st Indiana Yols., May 3, 1S63, Kome, Ga. 

Williams. M. S., Lt, 15th Kentucky Yols., June 20, 1S03, Jackson, Miss. 

Wiley, M., Capt, 1st Tennessee Yols., August 1, 1S64. Sweet Water, Ga. 

Whittaker, E. B., Capt, T2d Pennsylvania Yols., June 22, 1864, Petersburg, Ya. 

Winters, J., Lt, T2d Ohio Yols., June 22, 1SG4, Eipley, Miss. 

Wedimain, F., Lt, 16th Indiana Yols., July 22, 1564, Atlanta, Ga. 

Walhice, J., Lt Col, 4Tth Ohio Yols., July 22, 1SG4, Atlanta, Ga. 

Y'hoeler, J. F., Lt, 149th New York Yols., July 20, 15G4. Atlanta, Ga. 

Williamson, J. B., Lt, 4th Yirginia Yols., Jan. 3, 1S64, Morefield, Ya. 

Wilder, G. O., Lt, 15th Missouri Yols., June 22, 1S64, Petersburg, Ya. 

Witrton, C. F., Lt, Wisconsin Yols., Sept 20, 1363, Cbickamauga, Ga. 

Wando, Capt, 22d Michigan Yols., « " 

Wat>on, J.C, Lt, 121st Ohio Yols., May 6, 1SC4, Wilderness, Ya. 

Windsliip, Lt, SSth Illinois Yols., Angust 30, 1^G1, East Point Ga. 

Wilson, W. C, Capt, l(j4th New York Yols., July 11, 1SG3, Gettysburg, Fa. 

Widdis, C. C, Capt, 15nth Pennsylvania Yols., « ** 

Wont T. ir., Lt, 50Lb U. S. I., Juno J9, 1SG4, Briss's Cross Eoads. 

Wheaton, J., " « " ' " 

Wright K. J., Capt, Gth Ohio Yols., May 17, 1SG3, Eichraond, Ya. 

Wright W. It, Capt, SOth Illinois Yds., May 31, 1SG3, Home, Ga. 

Wi:.ijn,A., " «' ** •» ♦* 

Y' hi ting, J. D., Capt, 3d Ohio Yds., ** *• . 

Y^olbach, A. K., Lt, « " " « 

AVillis, W., Lt, 52d Indiana Yds., " " ** 

Woodrow. I. A., Lt. 73d Indiana, « « « 

Y'i'.cox, W.-n n., Lt, 10th N. Y. Infantry, Oct 12, 1SG4, Bealton Station, Ya. 

Wallace, It P., Lt^ 120th Ohio Infantry, May 24, 1SG3, Eaymond, Miss. 

Wright, L. L, Lt., 51st Indiana, May 3, 18G3, Eome, Ga. 

Walpole, II. II., Capt, 122d New York, May 3^1334, Spottsylvania, Ya. • 

Wright B. F., Capt, 141st New York, May 5, 1S64, Wilderness, Ya. 

AVoodruff, T. M., Lt, 7Gth New York, " « 

AYinner, C. N., Lt, 1st Ohio Yols., Sept 19, 1S63, Chickamanga, Ga. 

Wtllis, II. II., Lt, 4th New York Yols., June 1, iSG4, Hanover Junction, Ya. 

Wright J. W., Lt, 10th Iowa Yols., Nov. 25, 1863, Mission Eidgc, Ga. 

Y'e\therbee, J.. Lt, 51st Ohio Yols., Sept 20, 1363, Chickam.anga, Ga. 

Welshi'imer, F., Capt, 21st Illinois Yols., Sept 20, 1363, Chicka:naugu, Ga 

'Whit'.en, B. F., Lt, 9th Maine Yol. Infantry, Junel, 1864, Cold Harbor Ya. 

Y'histon, D., Lt, 18th Massachusetts Yols., July 1, 1363, Gettysburg, Pa. 

Wliitimore, B. W., Lt, 5th New York Cav., June 29, 1S64, Eeam's Station, Va. 

Willis, A. E., Capt., 8th Michigan Yols., May 16, 1S64, Drury's Blufl^ Ya. 



A PRISONEPw OF WAR. 207 

T^adsworth, M. C, Lt., leth Maine Yo]s., July 1, 1SG3, Gettysbnr?, Pa. 

Wallace, J. J., Lt, Ttb Tennessee Cav., March 24, 1564, Union City, Tenn. 

Whitman, W. S., Lt, G6th Indiana 7ols., " • " 

Wentworth, M. E., Lt, 14Lh New York Vols., June 2, 1S64, CoIcT Harbor, Ya. 

Walcott, W. a 

Worthen, T. A., Lt, ISSth Illinois Yols., May 24, 1SG3, Eaymond, Miss. 

Wakefield, II. B., Capt, 53d Indiana Yols., June 29, 1S(>4, Kene^aw Mt, Ga. 

Wilson, n., Lt, ISth Pennsylvania Cav., Oct 11, 1563, Brandy Station, Ya. 

White, IL G.. Lt,i)4tli New York Yols., July 1, 1S63, Gettysburg, Pa. 

Wall, M. IL. Capt, G9th Now York Yols., June 22d, 1SG4, Petersburg, Ya. 

Whitey, M. G-., Capt, 29th Mo. Yols., Nov. 27, 1S63, Kinggold, Ga. 

Weisner, T.il., Capt, 14th and 15th Illinois Yet Bat, Oct. 4, 1S04, Acworth, Ga. 

Walker, W. H., Lt, 21st Ohio Yds., July 9, 1S64, Chattahoochee, Ga. 

Woodson, C. W., Lt, ITth Iowa, Oct 13, 1S64. Tilton, Ga. 

Wilson, E. S., Lt, 1st Massaeliusetts Cav., May 10, ISW, Beaver Dam, Ya. 

Warren, D. II., Lt, Assist Surgeon 8th Iowa Cav., July 80, 1S64, Nunan, Ga. 

Yearo, E. C, Lt, GTth New York Yols., May G, lSo4, Wilderness, Ya. 

Tentz, IT. C, Capt, 126th Ohio Yols., June 14, 1S63, Winchester, Ya. 

York, E. D., Lt., 2d North Carolina Yols., April 20, 1SG4, Plymouth, N. C. 

Young, J. W., Major, 7Cth New York Yols., May 5, 1S64, Wilderness, Ya. 

Yound, A., Lt, 4th Penn. Cav., June 24, 13G4, Yellow Tavern, Ya. (Since killed.) 

Yates, C. II., Lt, 9Gth Illinois Yols., Sept 22, 1S63, Mission Eidge, Ga. 

Young, J. W., Lt, 111th Illinois Yols., July 22, 1S64, Atlanta, Ga. 

Young, T. P., Lt, 4th Kentucky Yols., July 31, 1864, Nunan, Ga. 

York, J. U., Lt, 63d Indiana Yols., June 27, 1S64, Kenesaw Mountain, Ga. 

Young, D. G., Capt, 81st Illinois Yols., June 11, 1364, Hiplcy, Miss. 

Zobel, C, Lt, 15th New York IL A., May 6, 1S64, Wilderness, Ya. 
Zeis, II., Capt, SOth Illinois Yols., June 3, 1863, North Alabama. 
Zarracher, F., Capt, ISth Pennsylvania Cav., May 5, 1864, Wilderness, Ya. 
Zeigler, Aaron, Lt, Tth Pennsylvania R. " " 

Zeigler, J. D., Lt, 104th Illinois, April 10, 1S64, Brison's Cross Roads, Y^ 



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NINETEEN MONTHS 



J^ 



PRISOxNER OF WAR: 



AS AOOOMT OF THE ADVENTUKES 



LIEUTENANT C. E. SABRE, 



Secotid It. I. Cavalrijf 



\7HIIiE IlSr THE HANDS OF THE REBELS. 



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i 
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The Presidential Canvass of 1860, until his Assassination, 

April 14, 1865. 



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